The girl who loves mermaids

Photo: Karan Madhok

‘You know my ancestors’ history / and say I am the anomaly in your / clean galaxy.’

- Karna

When I was born,

my mother’s in-laws told my mother

that a girl could not stand

against you. She was sick  

at heart. Fasted for two days. Tortured

her feeble body and wept like

a reluctant bride. You say I smell

of fish. You cuss at me when I sit

beside you. I am treated

like a witch. You know my ancestors’ history

and say I am the anomaly in your

clean galaxy. I am christened. Mother

gives me a slap for repeating

your words. I watch The Little Mermaid

on TV and ask her, Does she smell of fish?

Of course, she says. I tell you

that I love mermaids who live

in two worlds. They smell

of me and are stronger

than you. Mother could not stand

against you as she did not learn

how to love the sky and the sea.

***

Anupom Kumar Hazarika writes under the pen name Karna. Born and raised in Golaghat, he is an Assistant Professor of English at Cotton University. You can find him on Instagram: @anupomkhazarika.