Parting (2) Poem by Rajesh Kumar

The smell of parting
Hung heavy all around.
A liner
Portholes full of strange faces.
A fragrance …
Somewhat known;
I turn
Sweat with perfume mingles in a hurried fierce embrace.
Salt in the sea and stars up there,
No time to stare.
A kiss into the darkling night,
Giving away, taking back
Taking back, giving away.
Three hoots and a clutter,
A “dupatta” brushed my face goodbye,
A strand of her hair between my lips,
Footsteps …
Receding waves.
Bleeding eyes and kerchief.
Strange night tonight
I win back leased lands,
Good Night, Good Night.
1997