Kolkata diary

Kolkata diary

[ 2.9.2010 ]

When the sky clears after a downpour,
potholes reflect diamond shine.

Hand-pulled rickshaw
rambles in lane with its dull tinkle

And passes by a few carefree children,
their wet bodies naked to the waist.

Playing with rainbows in a cooled afternoon.


[ 3.9.2010 ]

On the roadside
the old man with unshaven beard
and his same ragged outfit
distributes crumbs of stale cookies
to a bunch of raucous crows
and a sickly mongrel.

A tramp joins the party.



[ 4.9.2010 ]

The morning shrinks under
the cover of an umbrella
in this incessant rain.

I see to it
that the waters do not dampen
her spirits.

Yet the parched walls of a rickety city
need monsoon, need succulence.

They urge me:
Pull off the covers,
let us get drenched together.


[5.9.2010]

Through the camera's viewfinder
I observe you,
try to bring your face in focus,
'specially your polite eyes,

They demand a lot more attention.

Passersby look at me peculiarly,
as if I'm a culprit,
and watching you is an offense.

I never mind, for finding out
a white rose as you is a rarity.

A rose untouched
by the whims of seasons,

Flourishing in the dingiest
corner of a metropolis.


[10.09.10]

Trudging barefoot, the two men
pull a handcart packed with cement bags

Keeping to one side of the road, the side
they have been following for so many summers.

One daft beggar makes them halt
and inquires about his lost child.