aditi ray

that naughty word
prancing in my mind
doing the bamboo dance
lifting its legs in the nick of time
...

The leaves outside now tell a different story
Of the warmest love and fondest memories
With their reds and browns
...

Things do not come to me
as they come to you
as through a door
opened to let in the morning light.
...

If you would let me
I would macarena on your cheek
Pirouette on your temples
Waltz down the bridge of your nose
...

...

The dogs are sunning in the street,
The severe cold and then this pleasant heat.
One gets up and tail-wagging comes towards me.
I have nothing to give it.
...

if wanting you
gave godspeed to pigs
i would want you.
you say, and beggars would ride
...

how is my plant on your desk
do you take care of it
change the water as I told you to
show it the sun and the air outside
...

This is the story of one in many
Who come to the city to find
Work and a place to stay
And if they dig in their heels long enough
...

...

That is when I will meet you
Under the bare boughs of staggering trees
I will not hesitate then
To touch your weathered brow
...

When the first drops fall
On the dry window sill
Or the hot dusty street
They vanish in no time
...

After the rains stopped came the sun
The rain kissed earth let go of the memory
In feverish vapours.
...