The Sun yet to peep into the dark night
She gets up all bleary eyed
Checks on her four urchins...they are sleeping alright
The husband lying sprawled in a corner after yet another drunken night

She steps out in the approaching winter chill
Out in the fields for her early morning drill
The shrill cock wildly disturbs the night that is still
She quickly sets off to the next village's well

A one hour walk makes her reach as the morning sun greets the day
She has a quick bath there and sets off with the water on her way
Reaching her hut, she lights the fire on the wood that she got yesterday
Preparing a single square meal for the family that will keep them at bay

She sets out to the fields with all her kids to the fields
Where she is a paid worker with the farmer who wields
his force, working with her bare hands in the blaring sun
Also keeping a constant watch on her offspring

****************To be continued******************

Renu Rakheja a.k.a Tranquil Ocean

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/h-2-dedications-from-the-life-of-an-indian-village-woman-1/