Sona Bai with her “Jharokas”
Jallis, walls of mud, peepholes
Screens, barred from crossing
threshold, her banvas a yearlong than
legendary Roms
His lasted 14 years
beloved brother, wife
accompanying in “Banvas”
14 years passed, subjects waiting
coronation waiting
The “Amavas” pierced by
Million “Diyas” lighting his
path, honoring him
Your Banvas 15 years
performing chores
raising children
husband suspicion
Creations “Neel Grais”
Move, cows, farms
mystical birds about to fly
Your lit face, toothless smile
One eye piercing, other cataract
Pink saree, red border
You, “Suhagan”, your creativity
Mongai International Museum
Stephen Huyler, guest curator
Kathleen Brown, assistant curator
Book release, another white man
claiming fame, another white woman
benevolent, patronizing
“Sona Bai”, another way of seeing
I will also steal, write your
story, men in your life —–
Daredevils, you settled for crumbs
Government of India honors
Artist of merit
Mangai International Museum, San Diego
will visit next time
Will write a story
Your Mona Lisa smile
Your mythical birds
perched on circular window
invitation card
chooses not to fly
Your creactivity, your flight