Equal

Last year when she appeared
during the "season of sorrow"
She smiled
and I didn't reciprocate.
There was no negative feeling;
But I didn't want to
Because I was not formally introduced.

The second reason probably
which I can decipher
after scrutinizing the bottom of my mind--
I didn't want to smile to somebody
who is just an undergrad
And who hardly understands
the complex world of academia--
It's light and darkness.

This year, I smiled to her
And she didn't.
I was happy to have our scores equal
without any regret.


Lucknow, India

Hangover

After our each meeting
we become highly intoxicated
and the hangover remains for
at least two days.

It's like living in a tavern
in a blissful state
where the light becomes shy before darkness.
In such shadow,
we then fill up each other's cup
with more wine.

After our each meeting
we become highly intoxicated
and the hangover remains....

Lucknow, India

Monsters

The monsters came out
One by one
They came out of the building
where they live;
A fat lady takes care of them
And she proudly announced that
She is the one
who can only handle those monsters--
Small, large, short, tall, healthy, slim--
They are in different size and shape.

Among those monsters
Among those enthusiastic kids
I felt like a seasoned oak tree;
I felt like an old demon--
A demon who is always happy
around such monsters.

Lucknow, India

Nudity

We are born naked
and we die naked
Then why so much embellishment in the middle?

Walking naked in your own space
gives you immense freedom...
Sometimes, it is good to be naked
and confront our own existence
Our own body and mind;

Sometimes, our nudity is as beautiful
as a river with waterfall,
Sometimes, our nudity is as beautiful
as a naked moon who refuses to take any cover.

Lucknow, India