Happiness is never true.

Prologue: The poem you're about to read addresses a sensitive issue in society: the oppression of women. I've penned this poem after observing and reading multiple news articles. To delve deep into the issue I personally met some women in villages of Telangana State, as I was interviewing women of multiple backgrounds, each one of her had a painful background and a poignant story to tell, yet they were smiling, as if they were happy for surviving such tough times and were confident to face their life ahead with bravery. They were like soldiers who've been through the most harsh and toughest training and were ready for the war at any time.

With multiple stories I heard, I had met a women whose life journey was encapsulated with all these stories I heard, she was too close to me personally, and I was in tears when I heard her story for the 1st time.

The poem takes you through this woman's journey in life from her own perspective.

"I was born, and I don't know when I did.

After 3 years, I lost my mother;

She left me 2 brothers and 2 sisters

To look after

I didn't even remember her face.

After 6 years, my father brought a new mom.

I thought we four would be happy; after all,

Somebody who'd take care of everything.

But happiness is never true.

Until 10 years, I had 3 more brothers

And 2 more sisters.

The new mom only cared for her blood.

After 13 years,

Father spoke to me for real.

He asked what I wanted;

I said I want to go to school.

He smiled. I was really happy;

After all, I felt something good was happening.

But happiness is never true.

At 14, they got me married.

My siblings innocently,

With their dilated pupils,

Waved me bye.

After all, I was their mother for these years.

My father stood rock still;

After all, a responsibility was cleared.

Do they actually?

After 15 nights of agony and sleeplessness,

I felt pain and force over me.

Days were struggling and frightening;

I felt pressure and hate over me.

After 16, I had a son.

Everyone was happy; even I was,

After all, I have someone who's mine.

But happiness is never true.

At 18, my husband put him in a hostel.

I waited for months

To see him once.

After 19, I became pregnant again.

They wanted a boy, but I wanted my mom.

I was happy;

After all, my husband wanted the same.

But happiness is never true.

I had a son.

Everyone was happy, even my husband.

I was too; I didn't want her in a place like this.

I was happy."

Analysis and Summary

The poem explores the profound and often painful journey of a woman through life, reflecting on themes of loss, oppression, and the search for happiness. Written from the woman's perspective, it begins with her birth, a moment she cannot recall, symbolizing the start of a life marked by uncertainty and sorrow.

Key Themes:

1. Loss and Grief:

The poem opens with the speaker's birth and she not even remembering her DOB, shows how deprived is the position of women,where her family doesn't even care to note down her DOB(The women was born in year 1975) loss of her mother at a young age. This early trauma sets the tone for her life, highlighting a lack of maternal guidance and affection. The absence of her mother is a recurring theme, underscoring a profound sense of longing.

2. Familial Dynamics:

As the speaker grows, she faces complex family relationships. The arrival of a new mother figure brings hope for happiness, but that hope is quickly dashed as the new mother favors her biological children. This dynamic illustrates the often harsh realities of blended families and the inequities that can arise within them.

3. Education and Dreams:

The pivotal moment when the father finally engages with her wishes—asking what she wants—reveals her desire for education. This moment of hope is fleeting, as she is soon married off at 14, demonstrating societal expectations that prioritize marriage over personal aspirations.

4. Motherhood and Sacrifice:

The poem poignantly captures the challenges of motherhood. The speaker’s experiences of pain and loss during childbirth reflect societal pressures and the often overlooked struggles women endure. Despite the birth of her sons, her happiness remains elusive, indicating that societal approval does not equate to personal fulfillment.

5. Cycle of Oppression:

The refrain "But happiness is never true" serves as a haunting reminder of the persistent struggles faced by women. The cycle continues with her own children, as her son is sent away to a hostel, mirroring her own childhood experiences of separation and longing.

6. Unfulfilled Aspirations:

The speaker's final reflections reveal a deep internal conflict. While she expresses happiness at having sons, there is a clear longing for her own mother and a recognition of the limitations of her situation. This highlights the tragic irony of finding joy in a context that continues to perpetuate her struggles.

Conclusion:

Overall, the poem is a poignant reflection on the life of a woman who navigates familial obligations, societal expectations, and personal desires. It captures the bittersweet nature of her journey, filled with moments of hope that are often overshadowed by the harsh realities of her circumstances. Through its evocative language and emotional depth, the poem encourages readers to empathize with the speaker’s plight and consider the broader implications of women's oppression in society.