When I came into this world, 

Amidst your joy, a seed of fear unfurled, 

Fearful thoughts whispered within your mind, 

"May this daughter not leave us behind." 

  

As my academic prowess began to soar, 

Surpassing your son and even more, 

Still, your worries persisted each day, 

"May she not grow too assertive," you'd say. 

  

As I earned more, my success on display, 

Yet, your concerns lingered in dismay, 

"What if she fails to show respect?" 

Such worries in your mind intersect. 

  

Under the weight of your anxious decree, 

Restrictions and boundaries suffocated me, 

A life controlled by your fearful reign, 

"What if your fears turn real?" the refrain. 

  

But I, in defiance of your imposed plight, 

Fought against your anger and your might, 

I persevered, never faltering or dismayed, 

A spirit unyielding, I proudly displayed. 

  

Despite being family, your kin and blood, 

My desires, my dreams, you seldom understood, 

My aspirations were suppressed and concealed, 

My autonomy and desires you never revealed. 

  

Yet, I did not disdain nor defy your place, 

Nor did I succumb to arrogance or disgrace, 

Still, your response remained unjust and askew, 

What more could I possibly do? 

  

You deemed my restrained life a favor bestowed, 

A life where my dreams and hopes erode, 

In fear of surpassing limits you'd set, 

You allowed me existence as your daughter, and yet... 

  

Oh, my father, oh, my grandfather dear, 

You failed in your duty, it's painfully clear, 

You granted me life as a daughter, it's true, 

But you denied me the freedom to truly pursue. 

  

From the day of my birth till this very hour, 

Your fears have held me within their power, 

How many more restrictions shall you impose? 

How many more sacrifices must I suppose? 

  

And still, I wonder, burdened by your dread, 

What more fears lie within your head? 

This poem was originally written in Awadhi language and published at Awadh.org and at Youth Ki Awaaz.  

The author has translated this poem herself.  

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