Poets Poem by Raghurama Raju

They are peculiar stuff
They don't seem to live in the present
Nor do they belong to the past for sure
Their world is different and timeless
They are like arrows that went astray
They know how to use words
But they don't knowhow to live
A bundle of papers and a bunch of pens
That's all they need in their life!


They look like strangers
And, sometimes, even like aliens
They look eccentric
They dress like they lived
a century back in a far off land
They never care to ensure that
the two sides of their moustache are
similar in size, shape and thickness



They may marry again and again
Like they revise and refine their words
Please! stay away from poets always!
A mother carrying a poet in her womb
may not be aware of the fact
Welcome him with open arms
But never try to marry a poet
Even in your dreams!
They don't even remember that
they have a family to support -


They may not like to stick to a place
They may not like to pursue a job
They may drink a bottle of
lye and die in their sleep
Or they may simply jump down
Washington Avenue bridge
and end their life!