Tale of a Nepali Daughter

 It is a strange thing-- being a chorri* in today's day and age.

 You live life in duality: 

You are told you are limitless,

 but you are restricted within the walls of your body,

forever frightened if someone will nip, tuck, and pull you from your sides.

 You are said you can be anything you want,

 just not a failure, just not a shame to your family. 

You can love without measure,

just not give in to the man you love--

because what will society say if you have sex before you're wed?

You are everything your parents have, they spend blood, sweat, and tears to give you an education--a future,

and right when they're old, desolate, and in need of help-- you leave for your husband's house--

duty-bound to look after a different set of parents.

You can go anywhere,

but be home by 9, rise early, give time

to everyone but yourself--

because what good is a daughter who only thinks for herself?

It is strange to be a daughter, 

forever bound by duty, forever indebted, forever obliged to obey,

when all you wish to do is soar and fly away like a bird free in the sky.