A journal of narrative writing.
Mantra for a New Bride

Listen to Mantra for a New Bride read by Vandana Khanna


Forget the painted flowers 
rusting on your hands.  

Forget you lined the part 
in your hair red, the color 

of brides.  Forget your 
mother-in-law wanted 

someone fairer.  Forget
you were never a goddess.

Forget they tried to light 
you on fire.  Forget 

you never learned 
how to drive.  Forget 

you had a baby 
at fifteen.  Forget 

the supple want 
of your skin.  Forget 

the rasp and resin 
of your prayers rinsed 

in the steam 
of the garden.  Forget 

to cover your face 
when you hear 

the numb hymn 
of your name rising 

salted and sullen
from their lips.

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