Suicide

(Over 12,000 Indian farmers have committed suicide every year since 2013, according to the Central Government. 80% are driven to kill themselves because of loans given on such terms that they can never be repaid.)

The farmer's wife stands with her child

but where has the farmer gone?

The mother tries to shield the child

but her face asks

who will be my shield?

Who will till the fields

as dry as bones

since the monsoon failed?

Who will bear the burden of debt

now that the farmer has gone?

The hut is empty

the grain vessel is empty.

Their stomachs ache so much 

that they cannot feel

their hearts full of pain

now that the farmer has gone.