The Bug

I stood still, frozen to the spot

In cold fear, for my fragile life.

The creature crept closer to me

In a dark lane, near Pali market.

Due to a severed wire somewhere

A familiar city had plunged

Into almost total darkness,  

Lit only by a pale moon.

My hands laden with overflowing bags,

My heart pounding loudly,

I saw a huge bug walking upright

On its two legs, like a giant mantis.

Straight out of my child’s story book

Into my life this summer night,

The Bug walked quite purposefully

Glowing in the ghostly moon light.

A head too large, topped by red eyes

Bobbing on a thin stalky neck.

Hanging by its side, are they wings?

No, they are its huge crushing arms.  

I wish it would go, but it’s here.

Next to me! My eyes close in fear.

A hand on my arm, a soft voice in my ear,

“I will take you safely from here.”

When I open my eyes, I find

I’ve reached the crowded bus stop.

The street lights suddenly come back

And I see its retreating back.

A hunch backed tramp walking away.

I would not trust him in daylight.

His dirty hand I would shrug off.

But his kindness. Did I deserve it?

My Doll

I’m in love. And this time I know it’s right.

It’s not a foolish dream dashed by daylight.  

Neither a mirage nor a chimera.

Peace on your porcelain face, you seem kind,

Your brow unfurrowed and your face unlined.

Perfection personified, that is you.

You wait on Hill Road behind glass doors,

I commune with you after the day’s chores.

I tell you my joys, sorrows and failings.

People give me queer looks as they pass by.

But I can shout from rooftops, I’m not shy.

Everything I want is what I see in you.  

Misery, hopelessness and betrayal

Illusions, heart break – I have had ample.

Now I am so lucky to have you.

Jostled one day, you fall down - suddenly.

The glass cracks and splinters, what’s this I see?

It’s your head rolling on the marble floor!

I run into the shop, but they are on me.

Hitting me, wrenching your body from me.

Why can’t I love you? I say. But they’re mad.