Padmashri Maddala
Wait:
Where are all the men?
Women, young and old
Family, friends and relatives,
All around her women bustle as,
moist memories flood their blank eyes
thin strands of old bonds cling on mutely.
The jaded mirror on the wall stares back in turmoil,
Can she wear kohl and lipstick?
Can she wear henna on her hands?
Can she wear nice dresses?
Can she style her hair?
Can she go to a movie?
Can she hang out with friends?
Can someone please tell her?
Winter winds bring in breezes of burden
As valleys are veiled in sheets of white
Her days pass by in a tedious blur
Cooking, cleaning, raising children and earning money,
Her own desires kneaded into dough
And fed to their children!
Endless days of longing and silent nights of loneliness
For her time comes to a standstill
SHE pays the price of war and strife
These wretched beings, these half widows
Crying, laughing, crying, laughing
Hope, despair, hope, despair,
Days, weeks, months, years,
Praying, praying, praying
Waiting, waiting and waiting,
Where are all the men?