Grishma
Ritu – Summer
The
two twine and twist like serpents
In
the maternal shade of the Tamarind
On
the forest of his chest drop pearls of sweat
From
the twin moons of her breasts.
Unmindful
of the fiery stare of the sungod
The
naked boy washes his sleepy buffalo
In
the dazzling sequins of the boiling river
Humming
the cooling song of his cradle.
In
the sultry shadows of the courtyard
Sits
the plotter playing a solitary game
Of
chess as is his wont; cursed to live
In
doubt, and be doubted by all.
The
maidens of the inner chambers cavort
In
the cooling fountains of the marble pool
Palace
intrigues assume no importance
Before
sandalwood scents and rosewater.
The
snake slips into the shadows
Vigilant
eyes on her fearsome foes
The
mongoose that prowls the walls
And
watchful peafowls in the grass.
