I, who have never known
Violence, see at nights
This - the moon-thugs
Finishing off a woman.

Mostly she is eyes
Minus the other marks
That make up a face. And
Her sari, winding red, tears
Audibly.

All my childhood, I slept
With a knife tucked under
Two pillows, for safety.
And that crescent still glistens

Maleficent.