sathya narayana (12-06-1958 / Nellore, Andhra Pradesh)

I know, you never keep up your word
by habit O' my mate.
Yet I sat in that deserted place in wait
behind a thorny bush, beside a pond
pulling the innocent grass roots
and throwing stones into the defenceless waters.

My enamoured heart
allowed me not a glum retreat.
My hoping eyes didn't like a disjoint
with the wiggling country path
in that dim crescent light.

The Moon's melting down;
The white jasmines in my bridle were wilting down.

A mischievous zephyr whispered into my ears
"He won't come dear;
better you go. How long you wait? "

Wiping the sweat on my forehead, I cussed and hissed,

"Oh any long; I'm sure I hear his footsteps at any time;
engulfs me, in just a moment, his masculine scent.
Shut up O' unromantic wind.
Throw your advice at some lifeless stump
or spill on some unfeeling dump.
My deep inner desires are still moist.
My throbbing bosom is warmer than ever.
I wait for him, I wait for him; any long; any long"

Yet I fear,
since I know you never
keep up your word O' mate.