My first view of the red velvet gilt-edged diary
Was of its opening page, of a declaration in my newly-wed aunt’s hand
On my uncle’s behalf
Saying he will never hit her again
Signed by my uncle, with love.
In the bottommost shelf of her almirah
I saw the book again today
When her teenaged daughter was rummaging for a favourite top.
Skipping several blank pages after the first one
I saw my aunt’s grocery lists
And miniscule digits secured in ovals
That showed how much she had managed to save.
First published in Muse India.
Ankita Anand’s writing has travelled through India, Pakistan, Singapore, Ireland, South Africa, Canada, the US and the UK. She also facilitates writing workshops. An archive of her publications can be found here: anandankita.blogspot.in
Photo a detail of the Book of Hours by the Master of Zweder van Culemborg, 18th Century.
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