Stained Sheets

Written by: Sana Anuar

A gentle, round face with an arched nose

Slightly blushing with a hint of rose

Makes its entrance near the table

With a bowl and a cup, both full.

Strawberries in one hand perfectly ripe,

Fresh milk on the other bothered by the tides

But limited and calmed down by the delicate palm.

To witness such a sight felt like a blessing.

All the others, just like me, held their breath in.

Especially the elders seemed so delighted

They couldn’t even hold a glass, without it falling

Their hands unable to stay still, all shaky

From the excitement and the happiness they felt

For their lucky son with such a worthy wife!

A laugh that sounded like the coins in a rich man’s purse

Gently drowned the singing of the birds;

Each coin an earthquake for the elders’ bodies.

“Worry not, our honoured guests!

For I am here to clean this mess”

As the bride committed to these words,

The husband’s relatives emerged

With stained sheets — strawberries that fell into the milk.

Heard from every corner was applause.

The elders crying happy tears, whilst

The bride set free from her timidity

Enjoyed the praising of the crowd.

“Let us waste time no more,” I heard,

As wine and ham came from the door.

Red wine so rich and thick,

One could not see the sky through it.

A shame, these mugs spoiled the taste

With a tinge of metal flavour on the top.

The meat so delicately soft,

I’ve never had a steak so good.

“To see you satisfied improves my mood!

To share my happiness is key

For me to justify my needs.

I’m glad that you enjoy the prey

I caught for you during my hunt

Last night.”

The lips curled into a grin,

The lipstick matching the wine she drank.

The relatives screeched in unison to weep,

As she departed with her dress stained by wine.

Such a clumsy wife she was.

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Written by: Sana Anuar

Contact info: 629sana@gmail.com