Ever Thought Poem by BASAB CHAUDHURI

Ever thought
you will write the hundredth poem?
Sorry — you do not call them poems.
They are your play with words.

You prefer words to wine.
You prefer thoughts to sitting idle.

Whether someone reads or not,
as long as words come to your mind,
you feel happy.
Just happy.

Not that what you pen carries profound wisdom,
not that it ushers light into deep darkness —
they are your solace.

You know, and so you write —
these and many more.

Why do you count then?
Did the number rise out of your ego?
Did it give you consolation?
Or pride that you have penned so many?

Look at life.
You be — and you be not.

So do not count.
Love the words.
Let thoughts inundate your mind.
Let feelings rise like waves.
Let words attempt
to express a little of those thoughts.

Nothing more.

Be indebted to words.
They allow you to be.