Poetry at Sangam

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

Of Near Absolutes by Keki N. Daruwalla

1

The coffin-lid tells the nail:
We could be meeting soon.

I reflect on absolutes
and absolutes can mislead

more than uncertain mumblings and half truths
uncertain about facts loaded on the other half.

Why should the echo of thunder be considered true
as it rummages in the dome of the sky

and gathers ions and iron filings floating in the air
then explodes and frightens the dog under the bed?

An absolute doesn’t climb or move (does it think?);
It guards the gates, guards the river-ford.

2

Childhood said to memory: We should part now,
what we know of each other is dubious, we’ve lost ourselves.

Myth said to reason: Climb down,
come to my well and drink;

Forest to flute: You are driving away the spirits,
pipe down or I’ll disinherit you.

Wind, unruly wind, says to flapping canvas:
I’ll unfasten your tent pegs and fly away with you.

 

 

 

← Keki N. Daruwalla

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