A Strong Woman

When a strong woman is born

Her parents sigh with relief

They know this little baby one day

Will hold their hands to light.

When a strong woman grows up

Her clan celebrates

In her gimmicks they see

The big things she will do to bring honour to them.

When a strong woman marries

Her new family becomes more confident

Her silent power keeps the home, warm

And their days busy and full.

When a strong woman gives birth

Her child/ren enters this world fortunate

To have a role model at home

And grow up into a strong person because they know no weakness.

But it is when the storms come

The thunder paralyses others

That the value of a strong woman

Will be felt the most

When the droughts dry up life on earth

The spring of life of a strong woman

Will keep her family and community from perishing.

Dedicated to one such 'strong woman' in my life, my sister Purnima Chanam on the occasion of her birthday on 20th December 2020.