In this verse by Dr Jyothsnaphanija, dreamscapes emerge from fragmented connections of water, bird songs, light, and sand – exclusively for Different Truths.

Water fills in
Like a map of broken continuities
Broken thoughts of birds near the ships
Sparkle is vivadi swar for sand,
Dreams, samvadhi for eyes.
 
Fume
Of sand spray
Like a child’s dream,
Constant.
Orange peels uneven anatomy
The beauty of spoken voice
Subverted.
lighter notes are
circulated
Sand’s morphemic texture
Sifted in warmth
Of another life.
 
Glossary:
Vivadi swar: Most occurring note in a raga in Hindustani classical music.
Samvadhi: The second most frequent note in a raga in Hindustani classical music.

Picture design by Anumita Roy

Dr Jyothsnaphanija

Dr Jyothsnaphanija teaches English Literature at ARSD College (University of Delhi), India. Her first poetry collection Ceramic Evening was published in 2016. Her poems most recently have appeared and are forthcoming in The Handy, Uncapped Pen, Wishbone Words, The Hopper, Bosphorus Review of Books and others.