Gargi Mehra

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