Swollen Hearted Poem by Sharad Rajimwale

He sits there with dream-filled eyes
sipping tea out of chipped cups
staring at the noisy road
squatting on a tottering stool
swollen in his heart
because he has just won
University Senate election.
I look hard at him;
'Hello, ' I say
A blank look I get in return
Recognizing he grins -- all gums!
I offer him my hand
At a loss, he stares at it.
Puzzled, I join palms, 'Namaste! '
Still wide-eyed
He contemplates it, gazing vacantly.

I dropp my hands.
I back out.
This is what winning election does to a being!

by Sharad Rajimwale
Jodhpur, India