O Kerchief In My Hand…

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O kerchief in my hand 
you are not laced nor dainty
you exude no femininity
no soft scents permeate
you are a plain white rumal
soft cotton humbly crinkled 
oh how I prize you… 

O kerchief, I am sorry
for all the moments you witness 
on tiresome days when I cry 
I am grateful that you exist 
your consolation is my solace
you never judge me 
oh how I prize you… 

O kerchief in my hand 
you think you are ill-fitted
as a gesture of courtship 
no sweet loves can bloom, you think  
insecure, unadorned, and plain 
yet he keeps you close to his chest 
oh how he prizes you…

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Written for W3 Prompt #46: Wea’ve Written Weekly.

Rumal is just the Hindi word for a common handkerchief. I like using them instead of the ladies handkerchiefs, since I am forgetful and I lose them often. So rather than using something pretty that I shall regret losing, I am happy with my plain rumal.

Some rumals are a work of art with beautiful embroidery like the silky Chamba Rumal which is an ancient art form in its own right.

Chamba Rumal with Scenes of Gopis Adoring Krishna, late 18th to early 19th century (Wikimedia)

II. Michelle’s prompt guidelines

1. Take out your handkerchief (yes, the one in your pocket right now- no cheating).
   • Remember that during the Renaissance period, a handkerchief was considered to be a powerful symbol of a woman. Giving this item to a woman meant true love, honesty, commitment, and righteousness.
2. If by chance you don’t have a handkerchief, explore your creative side and imagine you are holding one right now.
3. Write an ode to your handkerchief (or make-believe handkerchief). Make it sound like a love ode.

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