A Daze

We are in a weekly business review: me, him and her Nostrils oval black and clear is most prominent about her Dressed in yellow she talks but the words fly As my eyes wander again to her oval nose It’s rude to stare but my …

My Boyfriend’s a Saint

He’s a saint, pure of little fault 

Uttering words that hit the heart 

To one as that, what do you say but yes? 

His value to this world is priceless 

But in conventional measure it’s worth scant

Stuck between the two, what am I to do?

I am just your neighborhood Jane

Dreaming of salvation and greatness

But before all, a house just like the rest

A husband with all the answers 

2 babies spaced 4 years apart

Patriarchal in practice but feminist at heart

He is the partner girls dream of

Attentive listener, kind as a soft bell chime

Better than any dad was to her mom

But why is he walking in my wake?

Bridging dream and reality

My ego is not ready to face my atman 

No I want more, she says

Kindness doesn’t feed hunger

What if calamity were to strike? My poor eggs! 

He’s a saint devoted to his God 

But with little practical sense

What use is that for mortal I am

But he says-

‘Dear, we’ll figure it out’

With love and conviction

Which I realize is all that matters in the end

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Gul Mohars

After a restless night haunted by red flashes and judging voices, I woke up early to a young Sun and a grey dull room smelling sulphurous. I dragged myself to the terrace amidst clangs of chain up the steps- so burdened I was with thoughts. …

Russian Doll

I crawled out of Ma’s womb fell to ground and took root It was Summer then, it’s Summer now 20 years down Massive with trunks thick, leaves lush I’m a beast I did all that was prescribed and to it I attribute my form But …

Simple Day

Cool is the water as I stay submerged Unwilling to step out, linger a little more A tall list of chores self-assigned look at me But they too grow soft, eyelids drawn It’s one of those days Let’s just be, soaking in the moment Music …

His Mind

One evening after I had all I could, I throw a bomb at him Tell him it’s enough already Get out and stop wasting my time Bring out my list of things I hate Blow by blow I tell him how his existence is worth …

River

One early dawn I closed the door to my house and set out Still in slumber with street lights flickering I walked past homes in my village one last time At the bank, I surrendered all my savings for a ride ‘cross the river The …

I met a Salesman

Legs long and hat to point, he stood six feet tall Dressed all black Narrow to slither between building gaps, like a shadow he was A jingle in the pocket Pounced he did, tongue in pink Laying a trap for you Hands and legs he …

Trilling

As I walked by the brook between thickets of forest It pricked me this little bug- emerald in hue The sound in my ears where there was none Trilled and trilled Starting as a soft murmur to a crescendo so shrill I could not ignore …

Sweet Power

I stand in alleys dark, away from all that banality Like topaz eyes on a cloudy night You see me, as I reel you in To a dance I bow, helpless but attentive Memorizing the pattern you trace An escape to a fantasy created all …