Something happened
That warm July day
I have never been the same
I walk down the street we used to walk down
Together
Without you here I feel empty
Inside and out
Death
It won’t separate us
I promise
I always keep my promesses
I promass
I wasn’t there when I should have been
I didn’t want to hear your voice
Sorry?
Not sorry
I really did get your call
I pressed decline
Sorry?
Not sorry
I really didn’t have Homework
I just didn’t want to see you
Sorry?
Nope
Not sorry
Do you ever think about
What might lurk under your bed
Or what might
Hide in your closet
Once the children’s parents turn off the light
You wake up to some rustling in the closet
That’s when they pounce
They show their fangs that hang over their grim face
The dark creature reaches out a hand to grab you when
Your heart beats so fast
You might explode
Fear
It will follow you
Always
Step number 1Try to mind your own business
“She disapproves of Sharma, who left her husband because he beet her.” I don’t feel bad for her. I mean my husband doesn’t care enough about me he’s always working! He goes off and only comes to see me a few times a year to brings me back pots.
Smile.
“Auntie smiled for the first time in two days.” In my defense I was waiting for the right moment. And also you don’t know how long the smile lasted!
Try to be be nice!
“I worry, you’ll spend your life savings on two dowries and two weddings. Without a son, who will bring a dowery for you? And who will take care of you when you’re old?”
“Mama and Dadi are happy!” Shabanu says sticking out her chin. “What do you know?” I said this knowing I was talking to a small girl who did not completely understand the situation.
Step number 1Try best not to explode with anger when your sister can’t do anything right.
“If God blessed you with sons we would not have to break our fingers over wedding dresses.” I say this praying to God asking him why instead of boys they had two, not one but two girls! I fulfilled my purpose in life. I gave birth to two beautiful little boys, they will grow up and inherit all of our family fortune.
Try and keep your opinions to your self, no matter how right you are.
“A young lady should not go with her head uncovered. You’re to old to act like a boy!” I mean come on people when your five its fine but going out into public just makes it not ok! I wear mine my sister wears hers and even Phulan wears her head scarf! And we are not even going out in public!
Try to smile.
“She smiles for the first time in two days.” I smiled trying not to act superior to my sister, no never thats a lie I love to rub it in. So I gave her my best fake smile. I could tell she thought it was real! Darn it!
