Mahfooz Ali (28 October / Lucknow (U.P.) India)

I can't see criss-cross crust of market-cooked pie
Without imagining hands held and once again wondering why.
Shivering in excitement,
I buy the pie and more
Eating ice cream always soothes my heart's open sore.

Sighing hard as I head home
Sighing so hard my collar bone cracks
as if I might explode.



In wonder:
Am I in love again?



Now, sprawled on my bed
Attention paid to fan above
Lights dancing in celebratory shows
against the darkness dangling
over my head's hanging wisps
As if in gaiety.



Will my friends and family find me finally
Resting my heart agreeing:
Peaceful inside, a happy tortoise hiding
Tacit acceptance of life’s biting
In love.......
I may be or may be not....





Date: 15/05/'09
Time: 00: 35