Better Safe than Sari
The prompt today on Poetic Asides was to use the title “better safe than…”, so I did a silly little twist on it. It started out as a humorous piece inspired by the classic Kids in the Hall sketch “Becoming An Indian Woman”, but then I remembered the hijras of India, and it got a bit more topical than it probably should have. In truth, I’ve never really been one for toga parties or anything like that, but I have tried on a sari for one reason or another in the past, and I don’t mind saying that I looked damn good.
Better Safe than Sari
This friend of mine has a mother from Kolkata,
who keeps her old traditions alive.
I can’t admit my jealousy of her wardrobe:
emerald bindi, clattering burnished bangles,
and the formidable drape of fabric that sweeps
from shoulder to hip:
the days of togas are over. But I was made
for that free and flowing style of dress.
I would make a tall and elegant brahmin’s wife,
my palms a trailing fugue of henna,
each turn an Event, each step ringing like a bell.
But still I feel,
these are not my traditions to adopt. They are
holy in their time and their place, and I am
just an ignorant heartsick voyeur.
If I followed her shifting shadow to Kolkata,
there would be beardless boys in saris
concealed in alleyways,
crooning for the furtive johns or holding alms bowls,
or swiveling their hips in time with a wedding march.
Some of them would have bruised faces,
deep scars on their hands where henna should be.
Burgundy linen hides bloodstains well,
and you have to admire
their bravery, to keep their heads up,
to wipe the spit from their eyes. I wish I had
that kind of spirit. Instead, I watch my friend’s mother,
humming ragas in the kitchen, enviously thinking
that if I had the courage to enter her bedroom
and touch that sacred silk,
it would look so much better on me
than her.
barbara_y said,
August 19, 2009 at 12:51 pm
I love it. Wish you would rephrase the postscript to go with the rest, though.
Patricia A. Hawkenson said,
August 19, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Better safe than to try to compete with Joseph Harker, words today looking damn good!
Daniel Romo said,
August 19, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Simply put, a damn good poem.
Joseph Harker said,
August 20, 2009 at 9:42 am
Barbara: it was originally worked into the final stanza, but I thought the final stanza was a bit too thoughtful for the snarky little finale. :)
Patricia: cooperation over competition!
Daniel: many thanks!
poeticgrin said,
August 20, 2009 at 12:07 pm
“there would be beardless boys in saris
concealed in alleyways” = my favorite lines.
I disagree that you made it too topical. It’s a topical poem – and it’s strong and vibrant and well written. I envy your ability to write about seemingly anything and make it work.
Vic said,
August 20, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Joseph, for a second I almost thought I’d stumbled upon someone else’s blog. I’m impressed at how you morphed to be able to see out of someone else’s eyes and create such a touching piece.
I read your description after I read the piece (I normally do that) and it got snapped me back into reality with a chuckle. Bravo, Joseph, Bravo!
Joseph Harker said,
August 22, 2009 at 9:37 am
Bryan: perhaps you’re right, though in truth, I don’t know much more about the topic than what I wrote here. I wish I did know more… feel like it could lend more reality to poems like this, but, still glad you liked it :)
Vic: what can I say, I like to transform from time to time. ^_^ I believe that serious matter is best tempered with the ornamentation of humor, so I’m happy that it worked! many thanks