Laalima Poem by Always Aparna

Raat ke andhere mein
jab aansuon ko
chhipana chaaha
toh sitaaron ne
meri aankhon mein
apni jhilmil si
roshni bhar di

Maano jaise
kisi vidhwa ki
sooni maang mein
kisi ajnabi ne
sindoor ki laalima
bhar di...


The strange divine light of the starry starry night that illuminates the darkness of tear-filled eyes has been similarised to the radiance of the vermilion that could brighten up the bleary life of a widow withered before her prime.

Just like the morning glow of the rising sun dispels the darkness of the night.

(dedicated to the lonesome lives of those young widows for whom re-marriage could be a viable option, but social stigma shackles their desires in deep-rooted customs)