SINGLE WOMAN
Indian girls when they come of age
They are initiated to get into marriage.
Of late women are taking up career
Marriages take place much later.
Some become single unfortunately
If divorced widowed otherwise fatefully
Or children leave for work probably.
Some totally miss getting married
They remain single to move forward.
Single women face many challenges
They are expected to care aged parents.
Also younger siblings their families
Or their own grandchildren's lives.
Some in families become a burden
When they don't work or earn.
At work single women get less priority
They get marginalised as unlucky.
Some carry mental anguish silently
To live in this patriarchal society.
Single women receive no benefits
That are given to married spouses.
Single women not entitled for surrogacy
Even adoption has conditions that apply.
Single women also mothers or care givers
They deserve same respect as other spouses.
Single women should be given a separate status
And treated equally like country's other citizens.
- Gopinath S
(penned without ChatGPT support)