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.