Nightyutta Vidhave(Widow in A Nighty)

By Yashas J

Her nighty was drenched in Malnad sludge

Toe ring stained with decades of rain. Grey smudge.

At her, Manish throws shrunk beetle leaves out of pity

Spits a smile she, bites children’s lips blood red

The new-age Shabari.

After TCH, she wore her saree below navel

Pitch dark. Lenient blouse. At will. 

She didn’t lift her arm during school prayers

Armpit sweat was hidden. Smell was forbidden. 

Time has drawn cockroach sized roses on her nighty

The baggy fabric can fill up kids. Some men have.

Earthworms shaped rainbow stitches sit prettily

At times eating her moist body

Same earthworm. Same rainbow. 

She was the nail to the head mistress’s chair. Palm to the white board.

Naughty kids were made to sit on the lap to learn Nouns and verbs

Even after the bell rang, she screamed spreading her thighs. Cried. 

Uniform chaddis be wet. Lips be chalk white. 

Weddings, thread ceremonies, tonsures must have her by side

Sucks her thumb and wipes her forehead. To wipe the vermillion.  

Managa Sutra which someone tied is hanging,

touching her breasts and strangling her throat.

All she is waiting for is Yama, the unmarried widow, Sati Savitri.

By Yashas J