pages of books,

torn pamphlets

and bookends

holding them

when scriptures were

burnt

and them, thousand faces

obliterated

from beloved

corners of holy lands.

Faces stare

abruptly

like conscience,

like tsunami rocking

lives of the departed

souls

and elections weakening

conviction of clenched fists.

Faces stare now

from the clear ink blue sky

like stars adorning

life on an asteroid.

Faces stared then

of faceless brothers

and sisters.

Now faces stare from

the abyss as I stare

into them.

From here take not a further step

To evolve or to burn

Burgundy skin to black.

Let this stand, crippled

Like my steadfast tin soldier.
Let this ocean too recede

And the tides settle somewhere

Where you and I cease.

Let the tempest of surreal evenings

Crave my mouth, once more

Für Elise live, again in my nocturne.

Palki-Bengali Magazine: Issue 5 (Sarodiya Porbo)

India ‘shines’ in hunger. Food security, thank you.

2008 India State Hunger Index