Afraid

No, she is not afraid

of her mother-in law

or the demon dowry.

No, she is not afraid

of her running away

with a man of a different caste.

No, she is not afraid

of her failing in math

or homescience either.

Yes, she is afraid

of the little monsters

born each day

Yes, she is afraid

of those who will

blame her and her attire.

Yes, she is afraid

of telling her the truth

and not offering a solution.

Yes she is afraid

of giving birth to a girl child.