Revathy

by Amreen   Feb 5, 2014


"Amma", her voice goes
as she strides barefoot
towards the entrance door.
The inkling of her silver anklets
still echoing in the silent dark room.
Her forehead kissed with
a big red moon
placed asymmetrically
between her brows.
Bangles in her hand
make subtle noice
as she manages to proper
her 6 yards' saree
draped around her young body.

--

"Don't be loud Revathy,
your babuji doesn't like it.
And when will you learn to wear this?"
says Amma with a tensed look,
while folding the pleats of Revathy's saree.
Covering her head with the saree's edge,
Revathy blurts, "Amma, can I go to school with Ashok?"
making Amma burst out laughing
over the silly words
of her 11 year old daughter-in-law.

*written for a club challenge.

Note: This poem highlights about Child marriages which are prevalent in India.

Ashok (12 years): Revathy's Husband
Amma: Revathy's Mother-in-law

2


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Latest Comments

  • 9 years ago

    by LittleMermaid

    Excellent poem on very sensitive topic...thank you dear girl and i congratulate you on ur win.. :) well done !!

  • 9 years ago

    by Kumar kainth

    Nice one

  • 9 years ago

    by Yakori bint Muhammed

    I've so much missed your writes. And with this comment of mine, hopefully more will come.
    I love how you delivered this delicate topic on child marriage that's being practiced in most countries across the globe. In some parts of Asia, the Middle-East, Africa and other continents as well.

    I know quiet a large number of people who'll justify such inhumane decisions due to religion. However, religion did lay emphasis on the conditions of when and how such marriages can manifest. Most of these young brides are forced into marriage against their will. And in Islam it forbids forcing a young girl or a mature lady into marriage. Just the way it prohibits those who try to force the practice of Islam upon others.
    Islam doesn't force a person into any act. There's a specific verse that sates: "there's no compulsion in religion.", to that effect of religion.

    It has doctrines and principles that must be used in accordance with the commandments of Islam and the Shariah law. It doesn't compel you against your wish to do anything you don't want to. So people should stop misconstruing ideas and being bias. We should let those young girls enjoy their childhood. Let no one incur Gods wrath by depriving them of their rights to grow and be educated in a homely and caring atmosphere.

    Other reasons of girl child marriages, is due to cultural practices. And to me any tradition which is an invention should be fair in all aspects, not prejudiced to certain peculiarities. I'm saying that due to a saying by the prophet which states that:
    The Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) "Whomsoever initiates a graceful tradition; shall be rewarded as long as that tradition is sustained."
    And I see no grace in a tradition that defiles and rips a girl of her rights. This is tantamount to child rights violation.

    And we shouldn't forget such girls end up getting molested, hence physically abused. Such unions is at their own detriment, due to these reasons;

    - They'll be deprived the right to pass through normal childhood. Hence, affecting their growth, social, emotional , mental and intellectual faculties.

    - Their body will be forced and be subjected to all forms of assaults.

    - They'll be introduced to a lifestyle that may endanger their sensuality and sexuality.

    - They end up having complications at birth, for their reproductive organs are still infantile. As we know, it's the most dehumanizing condition caused by obstructed labor. And most girls end up getting dumped by their spouse or families.

    - They might even turn out to be violent, hence committing an enormous felony under duress, emotional, physical and mental instability.

    Let's all be fair in our affairs. We shouldn't encourage girl child unions. At least let a girl be 18 years of age and be left to decide on her own wether she wants to be married off or not.
    Penned lovely. Very profound and reflective.
    Kudos!

    • 9 years ago

      by Amreen

      Thank you Sister for your insight and in-depth comment. I agree with what you say. Nothing should be forced and thanks for sharing such refreshing hadiths by Holy Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.

      I am glad it impacted you!

      :)

      Missed you too <3

  • 10 years ago

    by Baby Rainbow

    Very well deserved win, you done so well with the challenge, the poem was so creative and the topic just so raw, and powerful.

    Congratulations. One that you should be very proud of indeed.

    • 10 years ago

      by Amreen

      Thank you Saff! Im proud indeed ;)

  • 10 years ago

    by Hellon

    Amreen...you have touched on a topic that is of concern to the western world but you haven't over dramatized the situation and...that's good because we all know it still goes on. Rather you have focused on this little girl and the situation she finds herself in...do children that young even wear saree's? I was given one years ago and still have no idea how to pleat it into shape lol!!! I did like how the mother in law was scolding her but still had that nurturing approach possibly because the husband (her son) was still but a child himself.

    I'm glad this made the front page...awareness poems are always favourable material IMO....this is a case that's current in Australia right now that I thought you may be interested in...

    http://www.smh.com.au/national/child-abuse-charges-for-man-26-who-claims-he-married-12yearold-girl-20140207-327bg.html

    • 10 years ago

      by Amreen

      Thanks Hellon :)

    • 10 years ago

      by Amreen

      Thanks Hellon :)

    • 10 years ago

      by Amreen

      Thanks Hellon :)