My Husband's Earnings Are Not Mine
by Vinita Mannatil, India. Third place in the Writory International Poetry Contest, December 2025, scored 92 out of 100.
My Husband’s Earnings are Not Mine ! Eighteen years of being in the wedlock, Giving my all, to my family round the clock; When motherhood came knocking, my 'mini-me' was born.. Family congratulated, offered tons of advice and were gone. With no help around, a break from career was mandated, Colleagues were shocked, but the family applauded. Cooking and cleaning, loving and caring became my way of life, Silently I embraced the designation of a housewife. Yet someone had to earn the buck, someone had to manage all, As was the norm, the husband went to work, and I stayed home to manage it all. I let my career take the hit, so my family could rise and shine, And yet my mom and dad say, my husband's earnings are not mine ! From eighteen years, every now and then, we go on family vacations, To the pristine beaches or to the picturesque hill stations . We laugh and talk and tour and explore, Making memories and craving for more. From ticketing and packing to picking destinations or an accomodation, I take charge of the entire planning and execution. When choosing to keep my husband and children free from all the worries, I end up putting in hours and days into planning the itineraries. It's never an easy task to choose the best wine and dine, And yet that one aunt comments - I'm living lavishly off my husband's earnings, Not mine ! Eighteen years ago I married this tall, dark and handsome man with heaven in his eyes, How I adored him every time he flashed his billion dollar smile ! Articulating our hopes and dreams, dreaming through the twilight, We walked into each other's lives, and made it even bright . On our wedding day, dear ones witnessed the union of two souls brimming with love, The priests were there, the Gods were called to bless us from heaven above . Hymns were sung in praise of the Lords, celebrations had begun.. All those present there had seen, two hearts now beating as one ! Wedding vows were taken, garlands were exchanged, Blessings were received from elders , the feast was enjoyed.. And yet those relatives and their families opine, That my husband's earnings are not mine ! Yes, eighteen years of being in the wedlock , Through thick and thin, I've been my family's rock. No matter the number of times we faltered, I never gave up; No matter how hard life hit us, I made sure we got back up ! I am my husband's queen , and he is my king, From the moment we exchanged our wedding ring . We have already stolen each other's heart, Neither he nor I can bear to be apart . The countless number of times I prepared fresh meals for all, All through their tantrums , I sat like a wall ; Took care of each one's needs and wants without caring for mine, Day in and day out I toiled at home , yet pretended to be fine. Together my husband and I pray for our family to rise and shine; But no matter what.. his mother feels her son's earnings are not mine !
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