Arisen of Wood

Arisen of Wood

I walk this road with you Mausam

in hot cold weather the same route bus

covering our heads with the dupatta

yours purple mine night queen pale

and through the sheer spidery weaves

we look at each other Mausam, quick

I stop by Mehrauli's seam to quench my

thirst after summer's sudden squall

dust in our eyes; you too stop Mausam

point with your frangipani fingers at

pale lemons the nimbupani man cores

we sip almost together at an even pace

embarrassed at the last glottal sips we

draw, look at each other, my bindi alight

your jhumkas nestling shy by the cheeks

Mausam were you scared my brother

wore a saffron-red bandanna of faith

your cousin guarded the green mosque

while we both shivered under cries

Did you notice Mausam we both held
only prayers in our hands, right when

our homes became fireballs our bodies plain wood

-- Nabina Das

Image from the Internet: Changing Times; painting by Arpana Caur