A ONE-TIME
ENCOUNTER
Srinivasa Rangaswamy
(Lines written in the wake of passing away of life partner)
With you beside me
no longer,
rootless
a waterweed
I float-
a flotsam
redolent
of a carnival
now all over,
bobbing up and down
on the sluggish river
Journeying
to the unknown.
With you beside me
I strode the earth
a Titan
secure, strong, sufficient
anchored in you;
unknowing
I was strong
with you beside me.
In the clang and din
of the noon-day bazaar
of living,
cradled
in the immanence
of the here and now,
blind-folded,
self-absorbed,
I forgot
the gentle word,
to one so gentle and meek;
and
little thoughtful acts
remained
a wish.