She Sells Culture
She Sells Culture
Strange smells
Of turmeric and honey
On my face
Make me think
Cosmetic fragrance
Has no place
Glistening skin
Of the seller
Promises more
Than a sleekly designed case
Raw appeal
Of freshness
Against
Packaged hopes
With an expiry date
Wins hands down
I choose organic beauty
Over a ‘fixed’ face
Mango leaves and marigold
Entwined festive spirits
Earthen oil lamps
Replace electric magnificence
I love chocolates
But am sold on
Home-made stuff
To sweeten
Celebrations
Goddess Laxmi
Looks happier
In imperfect idols
Than digital displays
The little village girl
With crooked teeth
Smiles her way
Into my
Diwali shopping wallet
She sells culture!