The Stains Of Vermilion

My bridal saree

Is a shroud white !

It reminds me

Of the fateful night ,

The fragrant room –

Bathed in dim light ;

But of nothing sweet ,

Rather my plight !

The cigarette burns on me

Hurtfully burns my pride .

I still remember ,

How, on the white sheets

My vermilion stains cried .

Yet ‘the wife’

Still awaits Spring’s return ;

But I so well know ,

That the dreary Autumn

Has just begun ……

- Amrita Sarkar.
 Written on 08: 01: 07
 Published in The Assam Tribune on 07: 04: 07