I Have Taken... Poem by Ananya Guha

I have taken the word seriously
the word which combines meaning with artifact
the word that conjoins with the wind and wafts
across table talk to find a poise.
I have been taking it seriously now as it conjures
misshapen lust, it brings force to unmeditated prayers.
Wishful thinking and innocence of hate.
I take it seriously in platters handed over for consumption
of news, greed and killings, which flashes in sitting rooms
expressing sentiments of hate.

I have taken the word seriously in imponderables
masquerading as pristine, divine forces.
I have taken it seriously in mayhems and brutalization
of the effete, the unwanted, caste opprobium.

The word is miniscule of dust, a wee glimpse of
officious lovers. The word, every inch of it is to
be taken seriously in waking state and sleep. Even dreams.
Battles fought. Words from skirmish lead to eternal fire.
Havoc created words then settle down to divinity and oracular
spaces.

I have taken words seriously from the past, in earthen bowls
of history, antecedents of future fissures.

I have taken words seriously, a bit too seriously
to see in their images rancid best sellers. Stalk them
otherwise they will stalk you and like molten ashes
will ruin your hybrid dreams.