Alienation
I
I stand a foot away from the truth,
inside the mirror; not exactly afraid.
Senses draw me out,
and I'm dragged with them,
emptying myself in the process;
the truth is whisked away -
like external reflection inside a mirror.
I close the gap - try to open the mirror;
hands meet, but not in flesh,
cold glass interferes in experiencing
that is desirable, and real.
You do not laugh,
nor do we recognize each other,
communication retreats in wardrobes
where suits and saris hang face to face.
"hello," and "hi" are mere words;
compulsions for carrying out dead business;
too heavy is the load.
I must start loving myself again
a sure way to love others,
including you, dear.
--
II
Sun-rays angle through the trees,
shadows lengthen to cover a far off hut;
four iron bars across a square window
divide the space into five parallels;
a hand tries to measure the distance,
the shadow is still to cross the point
to call it a night.
--
c s shah
|