THE PARDAH NASHIN
by: Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949)
- ER life
is a revolving dream
Of languid and sequestered ease;
Her girdles and her fillets gleam
Like changing fires on sunset seas;
Her raiment is like morning mist,
Shot opal, gold and amethyst.
-
- From thieving light of eyes impure,
From coveting sun or wind's caress,
Her days are guarded and secure
Behind her carven lattices,
Like jewels in a turbaned crest,
Like secrets in a lover's breast.
-
- But though no hand unsanctioned dares
Unveil the mysteries of her grace,
Time lifts the curtain unawares,
And Sorrow looks into her face . . .
Who shall prevent the subtle years,
Or shield a woman's eyes from tears?
"The Pardah Nashin" is
reprinted from The Golden Threshold. Sarojini Naidu. New
York: John Lane Company, 1916. |
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POEMS BY SAROJINI NAIDU |
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