There were no snakes in my sleep.
Nor, the hill bandits coming together
To rob me of everything.

 

Into the darkening,
There remained a hostile world
Of other sorts.

 

Rooted to this vision.
You and me watched –
My slow demise.

 

Until, after,
This scene had faded:
A clarity developed.

 

Who can tell?
One day.
Some day.

 

At random – I might die
In my sleep.
And before I am assigned.

 

To the flames…
You might hold me back,
To moisten my lips with your kiss.

 

Transfixed in the newness
That I am no more –
How will you be?

 

 

Mumbai
2013

                          

Geeta Chhabra

 

From the book: Smash My Glass by Geeta Chhabra.