THE SORCERER

 

Nandini Sahu

 

We are used to seeing each other

crawling like lizards or

hanging from the bed posts, ceilings

while the insects of our desire

encircle us.  Tonight

once again the rain was sonorous

and you strung me up like a

tissue paper, while the thick air

around struggled to heal me

amid the blue leaves and the yellow flower.

You flowed over my universe like flood

in the night rain, you climbed up

my branches like a spider and

rested there as long as you wished, while

my poetry book was crushed under your

hot, prickling pillow.  I built a wall of darkness.

You were feverish like some sorcerer

Trying hard to part the air

Hesitating guilty sometimes.

When everything stopped except the wind

when my many-armed, heavy-bodied

strange – like – death soul was captured,

or at least you thought you’ve captured,

you relaxed a little, and slept.

You never know, tonight, once again,

I exiled you while you were seeking refuge.

 

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