Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2008 > June 28, 2008 > Nikhil at the Gates
These times when life’s mad rush
Overtakes our days, inverts our rights
Your memory places a soothing palm
On my fevered brow.
I recall
You walking slowly
To light a candle at the last post
Separating India from Pakistan.
I recall
You watching with bemused disdain
Hate filled postures, martial clip clop
Of Pakistan Rangers and Border Security Force.
I piece together the rest.
Returning to your room late at night
You lift your ink-filled pen
Recalling Faiz, a poet, comrade, friend
Who dipped his fingers in heart’s welling blood
To write his verse
When might had sealed his tongue.
Into the deepening night
You write the story of South Asia
Fragmented tale of warring siblings
A tasty morsel for the mighty powers.
Admonishing words, loving chidings
Words and words unfurl on empty pages.
A decade later while South Asia churns
Your words
Torch light our perilous path.