An Indian couple
celebrate the sixtieth anniversary.
Ritualistic in detail
set sixty one brass kudams,
fill with holy water,
keep sixty one coconuts
invert them on the kudams
insert five mango leaves,
thread dipped in turmeric
goes around the vessel
homams follow, the brahmanas
perform the puja. Colourful
Being a reflection of Hindu culture,
enjoyable. As if to diminish
the aesthetic sense the man
draws his wife close,
presses his lips on her cheek,
tells the assembly, his gift
to his loving wife.
Expects an applause.
Appalling. Relatives shy,
An admixture of east and west
not in proportion.
Meenas Poems 