The Bride

Like morning dew on rose petals, tears line her eyes

The hint of a smile upon her lips hides the uncertainty inside

And under the pressures of expectations that are on the rise

She has to metamorphose into a diamond shining bright

For today, she leaves the only family she knows

To embrace another one as part of her fate

While beautiful people in beautiful clothes arrive at her door

To eat, sing, dance, make merry and celebrate

What does she get when she has given up everything?

Are her dreams and wishes worth nothing?

And should her hopes be laid to rest, unceremoniously,

Under a pile of social norms and opinions?

Or is she an example of the one who is brave

As she sets out into an unfamiliar, uncharted territory

Of a new house, new relationships, and a new name

To be the half that begins life’s very own story

Rupali Mistry