For A K Ramanujan -2 Poem by Prathibha Nandakumar

Think how many states of being, how many emotions
you go through in the course of a single day. Who are you?

- A K Ramanujan

‘When will I see you again? ’


Stepping into the elevator I ask
as he releases his ushering hand
to shut the door. I ask again, anxious,
turning away to hide my tears
and not to face his


‘When are you coming again? ’


He is working on Meera’s devotion
after going through Akkamahadevi.
Andal was his favorite last year.
Lalla he has heard just now
and Radha never wrote poems


Returning to the land of
Stars and Stripes,
from the land of black soil,
this elevator closes to
become the no man’s land
and I ask him once again


‘When again? ’


Descending at break neck speed,
running through lives,
ages crumbling into a heap,
he looks tired, yet happy
of his elusive multiple being

And laughs like Shiva, Krishna,
and the Lord of the Blooming Jasmine
all in one and plants that one last kiss
just before the door opens

to take him away and

we stand there comforting each other
Meera, Akka, Andal, Lalla, Radha.