For day-six, the challenge was to write to a ‘dream reader’ and to bring in a new element of writing that hasn’t been tried before. I am writing a poem addressed to a large section of my country’s people who cannot break away from dated customs and beliefs, even if they want to.  People who spend their entire lives in fear of what other people will say if they speak the truth or live by their own will. These people might never read what I have to say, but that doesn’t stop me from trying. In many cases, I am also shamefully part of this culture.

Wrapped up in notions, ideas so unwarranted

Believing things made up long ago, by an old woman who never existed

Marrying off your children with borrowed money and tears

Now you can’t have a wedding without feeding fat rears

Giving dowry to your daughters, rich or poor

God forbid, wouldn’t want to upset the young boor

Afraid of breathing, terrified of being

“What will they say?”, a thought forever clinging

Stuffing money in greedy pockets, under the table,over your conscience

When will it all change, this hypocrisy, this pretense?

Daggers of judgment, piercing our souls

From the color of your skin, to what you throw in the bin

Is your life really yours?

Mocking stares line the maps of our roads

From choosing what to wear, to finding life partners

Is your life really yours?