Poetry 2015, Longlist Hema Ravi

Care Givers Tale

Got to be in form at all times
Perform to a T as do chimes
No Labour Laws to fight her case
Care penalty that punishes.

Child-rearing, hers primarily
Not by choice ordinarily
Career gone- out of race
Care penalty that punishes.

Will she give it up at least once?
Oh no! They’re the pride of my eyes...
Her will power–tough as a mace
Care penalty that punishes.

Tight-rope walks as she dons new hats
wrestling and tumbling, calls for mats
into sunset; again the ‘chase’
Care penalty that punishes…