DIWALI NIGHT

 The day rejoiced in memory

of a king’s return from exile.

The town kept awake, air choked on smoke,

and night drowned in cracker noise.

I kept vigil on the oil lamp –

its flame flickering nervously under the fan.

To bless my home the Goddess of wealth

would tip toe in, any time.

The dog was restless - barking

with renewed vengeance on each

bursting sound. Ear plugs or muzzle

didn’t help to keep him quiet .

Some crackers flew to sky, some played

on ground like a hungry fire. Birds darted blindly

between burning sparks. In confusion

they shrieked - adding to a deafening fright.

My vigil lasted one night.

The dog didn’t sleep for many nights.

Birds flew helter-skelter

having lost their sense of time.

FORGETTING YOU

 I can not forget you - your etchings.

I pick on them now and then

to revive and let sleep to and fro

like a swing.

I fly high to become one

with the green foliage

then come down to brown earth.

Flowering of mango has just begun;

its sweet sour scent all over me.

The swing gains momentum, and

I wish to remain

high on those etchings.

WRITING ON THE WALL

 Despite all the coating I would do

the black paint would show.

The truth is not all black --

it’s not white either.

The gray would never

sit on it

so well

as on a white lie.

Let the wall

reflect the patches

from behind a coated conscience.

I can not erase

what I have already written