Poetry at Sangam

Poetry at Sangam showcases poetry in English and translations as well as essays on poetics and news of new releases.

UNTITLED by Gulam Mohammed Sheikh

(Translated by Mala Marwah and the author.)

for Nilima and Samira

Before
the heaving passengers
vanish into the train
it shudders through the bowels of each
resting his ochre elbow upon
brick-stained windows.
Vacant tracks, tunnel, bridge,
again the latch on the waiting room door
rattling

The odour of two humans
about my body
evaporated in a moment
and took with it the smell of my own.
Travelers do not leave alone –
each departure taking something
of the watcher along.

Returning
the house enclosed me
like a blank envelope.

(1973)

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