IN COZY ILLUSIONS

Before the ant-eaten roots

yield to storm and the roof cracks

I must find a new shelter

to escape the full collapse:




the facade of specious house

and dead wood midst dust and green

have popped up myths of ages

academics recycle




holding gods in the hand

in cozy illusions

perpetuate newer

games of convenience



--R.K.SINGH

FISHING

With henna hue
the ascetic's matted hair
and net of words
fish innocent women
at the holy Ganges

--R.K.SINGH

WORSHIPPER

With scarf on bare back
plucking hibiscus in sun
Kali worshipper

--R.K.SINGH

GROPING

Fingers grope
taste of whisky--
moist lips

--R.K.Singh

MIDNIGHT CRY

No use abusing
or cursing anyone when
restless and breathless
I cry to God to help me
for a while let me sleep

sexless meditate
in the darkest of hours
negotiate peace
with self and rest even if
I exist in my sufferings

--R.K.SINGH

PULSATILLA

Flower beds
purple pulsatilla
winter's end
--R.K.SINGH

THREAT

We chase myths in self-made Amazon
fish turtles that change colour in new waters

we create landscape of nightmares and wade through
anacondas that threaten our confidence

lost in the jungles of our own making
we beat about the thorny grasses now

look for the twin flames for convenience
cloud judgment and reality for control

challenge the Republic and divide
the defence that could never be


--R.K.SINGH