Kushal’s poem explores a long-lived raven’s overlooked presence, questioning a listener’s awareness and hinting at unspoken communication exclusively for Different Truths.

Ravens live a long life, and 
if you did not know this 
you never noticed the constant 
one vacation bird on 
the unpolished porch railing 
of your summers, didn't hear
its morning and noontime 
pithy monologue. By the way,
what did you do with all those years?
No, I don't desire to know.
Let the raven know that if you drive 
your woe and your family of joy
to that cabin near the moonshine stream.
Let the bird know that although you 
cannot speak its tongue, you are 
willing to fathom the words 
about the weather it premonishes.

Picture design by Anumita Roy

Kushal Poddar

Kushal Poddar, the author of ‘A White Cane for the Blind Lane’ and ‘How to Burn Memories Using a Pocket Torch’, has ten books to his credit. He is a journalist, father of a four-year-old, illustrator, and editor. His works have been translated into twelve languages and published across the globe.

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