By Neelakantan Mahadevan
Conjugal
( Poem: Karumom M Neelakantan )
[ This poem depicts each letter of the word in "Conjugal" in free verse ]
..............
Couple consisting of two independent individuals
Tie the wedlock mutually and live together
Is a bliss and heaven brought down on earth,
What else human beings aspire for in life?
On giving birth to a child, girl or boy, the lady
Feels the pleasure unexperienced so far
Physically and psychologically day in and day out
Like the waves of an ocean touching the shore!
Not with breast milk alone she feeds her baby
But with the vitals of her life itself profusely
She performs her dual role as a homemaker
And as an employee with hardships but in silence!
Jovial the man throughout these days with friends
Drinks and tours enjoys the life like a traveller
He scolds, beats and shower disparaging remarks
With intention to get a divorce like a cakewalk!
Ultimately wine and roses in his life throw him
To pernicious diseases and eventual bankruptcy
He starts doubting her chastity and integrity
And thinks to end the lives of all in the family!
Given no way to escape from the labyrinth
The poor woman decides to live for children
She shoulders the burden of the whole family
With smiling face to all but weeping in heart!
All of a sudden, though not unexpected, the man
Goes to cemetery leaving the family in lurch
Kith and kin blame her for his misfortune
And some discreetly seek sex for favours offered!
Lonely the woman will have to go ahead
Sacrificing the delight due to her body and mind
Still she toils with heart and soul for the kids
As otherwise they will be thrown into the street!