My Guilt

Two days have passed and its not over
I'm still ravaged by my gory deed of inaction
Been praying to the gods asking mercy
To forgive me and grant me guts and to be swifter in action

I live in a country unsafe for women
Laws and its protectors are a dicy affair
Always frightened of getting trapped
In a horrific misadventure on the streets

Shocked and shaken up after watching a late night movie 
A nerve wrecking, true story on honour killing
I took long to doze off only to wake up before I slept
Foggy and heavy in mind wondered what was happening

I could hear a girl shouting and a man yelling
Got out of my bed and tried to hear from where 
The heart rending cries were coming much beyond midnight hour
I walked to the window but couldn't see through the thick creepers

Rushed to the lobby windows for a clearer view
Saw a young girl sitting on the road before the car in tears
Her husband -presumably with the authority he was using-
Angered and abusive was asking her to get into the car

She refused and kept pleading that her arm was broken
She refused to be seated and was  given a tight slap
She was just howling that she was in pain as her arm was broken
A lady who I thought was her mother was foolishly consoling her

I wasn't sure if she was drunk after late Christmas celebrations
Or a regular victim of a suffering male chauvinistic abuser
Before I could wake up another neighbour she was shoved 
Into the car and driven off and I couldn't see her mother anywhere

I'm guilt ridden that I didn't act quickly to save her
Keep wondering which house she belonged to
Has she been hospitalised or suffering more brutalities?
Now I'm stocked with helplines, I pray to the gods to make me quick in action

December 27, 2015
Contest: Deep and Dark
Sponsor: Broken Wings
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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A   Avatar
January 15, 2016 at 10:10 PM
WONDERFUL WIN LINDA
Cheema Avatar
March 28, 2016 at 12:16 PM
Thanks Linda!
A  Avatar
January 8, 2016 at 7:31 PM
Balveen, Congratulations on your Deep and Dark win. **SKAT**
Cheema Avatar
March 28, 2016 at 12:18 PM
Thanks Skat!
Inman Avatar
January 8, 2016 at 10:39 AM
Great write Balveen. When I was much younger, I witnessed a scene somewhat similar to this but when I tried to intervene the young lady turned on me and threatened me if I didn't leave her and the abusive guy she was with alone.
Cheema Avatar
March 28, 2016 at 12:20 PM
It's the same here James! I did track them down. Her arm is still in a sling, but as you say... Thanks for your understanding!
Lane Avatar
January 8, 2016 at 3:45 AM
That would be horrific to see. Well done for your placement, Balveen.
Cheema Avatar
March 28, 2016 at 12:20 PM
Thanks Lin!
Roper Avatar
January 7, 2016 at 9:36 PM
Balveen, a7 congratulations on your win!
Cheema Avatar
March 28, 2016 at 12:21 PM
Thanks Eve!
Haight Avatar
January 7, 2016 at 5:16 PM
Hi Balveen...such a sad poem...You have delivered such a sad story indeed. I am pleased to see it on the winner's list -- Congrats! Hugs, Sandra
Cheema Avatar
March 28, 2016 at 12:21 PM
Thanks a ton, Sandra!
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