Like a prayer
Side by side the women stand
Small, sari-clad
Fluidity and elegance in every careful move
Silver anklets on bare feet
A sweep of sequin border
Falling like the stars
The well-worn everyday routine
Peel chop grind wash
Coriander coconut and rice
Is quietly performed
Beautiful as ballet
Offered like a prayer
Side by side the women stand
Small, sari-clad
Fluidity and elegance in every careful move
Silver anklets on bare feet
A sweep of sequin border
Falling like the stars
The well-worn everyday routine
Peel chop grind wash
Coriander coconut and rice
Is quietly performed
Beautiful as ballet
Offered like a prayer
14th January 2010, BTC Guest house, Vappaneri, S India, for Selvi and Vidya
I can see these gentle women in the their colourful sari's - Thankyou.
ReplyDeleteThank you Gill. I read the poem to the women - Selvi has some good English- and she was very pleased. She cooks the most wonderful food and before long I will be as round as a butterball...oh dear!
ReplyDeleteI can see this scene Sally, I have been on the receiving end of a similar dance as a home visitor in Bristol. It is like a prayer, a reminder.
ReplyDelete