Sari Poem by rita malhotra

Sari

sensuality personified
in the beautiful gait
draped in nine lush flowing yards
of exquisite chiffon, rich silk
or the soothing, sought-after weavers cotton
the perfect cascading fall
confirms to the contour
of the woman's body

the proud pallu holds itself precarious
at the smooth velvet edge of the
left shoulder
the flower-motif in garden hues
an aphrodisiac for male-desire
the oval onyx pendant
on sumptuous ground
raises speculation and
kindles envious glances
at its ceremonious coveted position

Byron's lines flash past:
"she walks in beauty like the night"

with darkness riding down
on its golden chariot
she sits sculpture-like
her sealed gaze beyond the window-pane
waiting for her lover
in swathes of delicate drape.