February 2010

I carefully wrapped the china

feeling its cold weight in my hands

in my favorite blanket,

the one with the jaipuri print

also my red stilettos

One by one it all went into the box

to be donated the next day

I sat sorting the pile of papers

for some important bill or a letter from you maybe?

as they came and took away the furniture

there muddy boots all over my sterilized carpet

I cringed, you held me back, "let them" you said.

The little green box on the book shelf now lay on the floor

with wine corks from our date nights, doodled paper napkins.

I dragged myself into the kitchen,
cleared the shelves, the strong sweet aromas of the masalas stayed.
emptied my barnis of dals - big small green and yellow.
tossed the turmeric stained washcloth

packed the devara and my little gods in your mom's old saree.

gently pulled down the Toran from the front door
and once again I held your hand, and moved on...

Jaipuri- from the region around Jaipur, India
Masala- spices(Indian)
Barni- large glass jars used to store dried beans, lentils etc.
Devara- A small temple structure to house idols of gods. (Marathi)
Toran- A decoration hung above entrance door to a house, meant to bring good luck.