When the rain splattered in the courtyard

She clapped and crawled to catch the raindrops.

Her mother followed to grab her and laughingly 

Called her Rim Jhim. 

As she grew, the Rim Jhim in summer wore anklets and ran around 

In rain, she danced

In winters, she sang by the fire, and 

In spring, she coloured herself in the Holi attire

One day, the courtyard brightened

With marigold

Had a man 

Who flattered her with roses. 

Glowing, she left 

Then dimmed 

When she cried by his pyre

She returned to the courtyard 

Now with an infant

Echoing her lost laugh

Torn apart

She counted on death

One day, it showed up. 

Lulled her tired head 

To sleep 

When nobody did.