Payal KULI KOHLI

Kuli Kohli Payal

These tempting ankle bells –like the bangles on my arms; like my vibrant powder and paint; like the bindi on my forehead; like my twinkling jewellery; like my embroidered salwar kameez; like the clinking of dishes. Endorsing, defining, approving my beauty as a woman.

Bells upon my ankles keep me faithful. Bells upon my ankles keep me cultured. Bells upon my ankles keep me from escape. Bells upon my ankles, keep me anchored. Bells upon my ankles, steal my liberty. Bells upon my ankles, keep tabs on me. Bells upon my ankles, a meaningless sacrifice.

When I dance, I jingle. When I walk, I tingle. When I sit, I dangle dingle. When I am in a crowd, I mingle. When I am alone, I’m single. With you my love, I shine –I am silence, simple and divine.

Punjabi translation: Payal – Ankle Bells Bindi – Forehead Jewel/Art Salwar Kameez – Punjabi Dress