The Sari and Liz

by B. R. GOWANI

Elizabeth Hurley, the wife of NRI (non-resident Indian) businessman Arun Nayar, at the Love Ball charity fundraiser. Some called her “Arun Nayar’s spouse without blouse” for wearing a blouse-less sari. Outlook India

an ancient South Asian garment
the sari is a symbol of decent attire

when worn properly, it surely depicts
beauty and elegance and some glitz

it is gaining acceptance in the West
that is always on a fashion quest

usually worn with a petite half blouse
the sari accentuates the wearer’s figure

long, hipster saris have been tried
with short blouses worn with full pride

sans the blouse and draped loose, Vidya Balan posed
with the back exposed but praise she drew

and gutsy Liz Hurley took a giant leap
saving many males the trouble to peep

so, nature’s exquisite artwork you can gaze
the asymmetry won’t stop you from praise

the covering of the sheer sari will rarely fail
to remind the gazer of Benzoni Rebecca veil

men will not have to twist and lean
now they can watch with the proper mien

vulgar, provocative, or titillating Liz doesn’t look
but offers the look as an eye-pleasing open book

the hymn says: “o human, naked you came
and naked you’ll depart [from this world]”

much money is saved on the bra and blouse
that, in this economy, can go towards the house

but Victoria doesn’t like naturalness, because she
then will not have any intimate Secret to sell

US airport security will love this exposed gesture of Liz
and should think of appointing as a spokesperson this Ms.

B. R. Gowani can be reached at brgowani@hotmail.com