In The Bowels of Her Birkin
Pink oversized shades
procured
for wearing
at the beach
snug in a red pouch which
is snug in a blue case,
Earphones
for those
moments
between floors
in the elevator
and outside
Lip gloss
to soften
the ashen corpse look
Buff ankle socks
that keep
her feet warm
Wallet,
crammed with cards
notes folded in half
identification marks
Pen
to sign
or
take notes
Small comb
to tame
her wild mane
A folded sanitary
napkin to stem
the flow
of tears
Wet wipes
that scrub out the depression
Gift vouchers
Pamphlets
Cheque book
No photos
No compact
No eyeliner
No letters
No bills
No love
No life
Gargi Mehra is a software professional by day, a writer by night, and a mother at all times. Her work has appeared in numerous literary magazines online and in print. She is currently working on a novel. She blogs at gargimehra.com
