An evocative poem by Mandakini that blends the mundane with the transcendent  – exclusively for Different Truths.

The rickety staircases of sunlight
go nowhere.
One could climb up and down
all day,
whispering Hallelujahs,
or clashing cymbals
and gnashing teeth
in a frenzied chant.
The kundalini and chakras
grimace in a macabre whirl
as she figures out
the nine rings of Hell,
brushing aside cobwebs,
spidery creatures.
Down, down, down, …
A journey to eternity and back, …
A trip to the terrace to
hang up clothes and dreams,
then back to the hearth fire.

Picture design by Anumita Roy

Mandakini Bhattacherya

Mandakini Bhattacherya, from Kolkata, is an Associate Professor of English and a multi-lingual poet, literary critic and translator. She has her own Poetry Page on the Dallas-based Mad Swirl Magazine. She participated in the All-India Young Writers’ Meet organised by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi in February 2020.