Negotiation


A seasoned negotiation, nothing more to define
Words sharper than pointed arrows, piercing 
And beheading every defence and claim
Giving up my shield, I agree to help.

Destined to hear from time immemorial
Many a homemaker, this hideous query
What do you do throughout the day, while
I toil in vain day and night, for all?

Does no man see the courtyard swept,
Mopped floor, watered garden, laundry done
Linen folded, things dusted, calls attended
Tank filled, closets cleaned and all in order?

parents cared for; kids looked after
Schoolwork done and studies checked
Keeping neighbours in good cheer and tone
And strangers at bay, and pets never wanting.

Multi- tasking, multi-faceted, multi-talented
Just two hands and two eyes, reaching out
To an array of things, people and needs, still
You dare to ask, what do you do?

sounds from the kitchen are better than all
the wonderful music you ever listen to
Fragrance of cooking well above Arabian aromas
And monotony is my way of life.

What's your day like if I am away?
Prove your flair and show me your
Creation in a day without any one at your call.
'Will you?" it's an open challenge.

I hear a storm surging in your brain
I see the length of your breath
Need no reply, for you have  none, but 
'My life is not a joke for all.'

i stare at a self-loss in the mirror
dare not  to crush my self-esteem
Holding back my feelings and desires
Is not a sign of my weakness, but love for all.

I need a partner in life and shoulder to rest upon
Not a chief to command and shout 
Life is balanced and feelings are preserved
When respect precedes, love  is fostered, and ego trampled.

−  Dr. Shinoj Kizhakemury

Available Answers

  1. 1.

    Read the clues and fill in the words from the poem.

    1. Title
    2. Who this poem is about
    3. Her way of life
    4. Do not crush this
    5. What she needs in life
    6. She never wants to hear this ugly _______________.
    7. Due to work, she cannot fulfil these
    8. This emotion must be crushed
  2. 2.

    Make sentences of your own with:

    1. time immemorial
    2. in vain
    3. multi-tasking
    4. never wanting
    5. to rest on
  3. 3.

    Consult the dictionary and write the meanings of the words given in bold in the poem.

  4. 4.

    Read the eighth stanza and write an example of hyperbole.

  5. 5.

    Read the poem and write an example of anaphora.

  6. 6.

    " Holding back my feelings and desires...."

    1. Complete the next line of the poem.
    2. Explain what the housewife means by these words.
    3. Referring to the first stanza of the poem, express the husband's feelings and decision.
    4. Referring to the last stanza of the poem, what are the wife's expectations from her life partner?
3 more answer(s) available.

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