SHE

She was nowhere to be seen, where had she gone?
The mother searched anxiously- her precious child was alone
She giggled at her discomfiture- hidden snugly at her favorite haunt
And she heaved a sigh of relief- naughty girl, but safe and sound!!

Her free spirit wanted to soar universe
But watchful mother kept the tab
She was gay- innocent, credulous
Her attention caught in many-a web
 
She wanted to peep at sparrow's nest
She wanted to give the hare a chase
She wanted to touch the peacock's crest
She wanted to catch the fireflies in a vase

She was not allowed to go out alone
The ground was full of worms, insects
But she could go out with a chaperone
The companion would surely protect

The child tottered away innocently
Happy and excited in the company
Mother turned back to her job
The child would enjoy her outing, thanks to Bob

When catastrophe struck-it was quite sudden
She was numb with fear and shock -her limbs scratched, swollen
That a man-eater attacked them- mother did not quite believe, yet feigned
Her poor child had been attacked- but by a human fiend

Her heart bleeded for the child and she vowed
She will erase the pain - make her bold and strong
Never again she will be victim- of man's lust, greediness
The wolves will find more than their match in the emerging lioness



  ~Jayanti Sinha~