Hers was not the “face that launched
A thousand ships” but certainly could singe
envious hearts of the dusky damsels,
though prettier, eclipsed against her
“Fair and lovely” charm in a country crazed
by the porcelain pale skin and light eyes.
A darling of all neighbourhood aunties
And secretly of uncles as well,
She walked with a
bounce
of youth and smug confidence.
She walked on a rose-petalled path,
discouraging lovelorn offers
With the ice perfected over precocious years,
Happily ignorant of the bitterness
Of unrequited love and the
Smouldering murderous rage
Being carried in a vial every day.
- Neha Bansal
