From A Biologically-Not-Belonging Daughter Poem by Bashyam Narayanan

I was born to a couple
Who, probably did not want me
Left me in an orphanage

Even before I was born
And when I was a fetus
I passed through uncomforting
Situations, when my
Biological parents
Had a lot unpleasantries
To exchange
And it did not give me shock
To know that
I am in orphanage

One day
A couple came
Chose me from
A lot of orphans
Each looking for
Love and care
And waiting for
Such caring couple

I am in a new environment now
Both my biologically-not-belonging parents
Pouring love on this
Infant, and presenting me to others
As their long awaited pride
They saw with awe
My little movements
Each stage of my growth
Brought to them immense pleasure
And they gleefully shared
The growth changes in me
To their friends and relatives
Every other day someone
Visited me, invited me to their waiting hands
Watched this little me with wonder
And showered their affectionate blessings

The care of this
Deserted and disowned little girl
Saw its peak when my “parents”
Arranged for my first birth anniversary

I was decorated with earring
Though pained initially
I am proud of this, as this is the symbol
Of their love

I could not keep a count of how many
Attended to me
Assumed kidding roles to amuse me
And make me smile
With my four incision teeth exposed
Many a gift and lot of love
I felt for the first time
That this earth’s crest is held tight
Not because of any thing
But because of this love
Shown to a girl
Of unknown origin

It was not my birth anniversary
But was that of a
Self-imposed parenthood