Dr Swaraj’s poem explores desire, its power, and its ability to uplift and destroy, exclusively for Different Truths, using vivid imagery and evocative language.

Inebriate –
The desire
Coiling and rippling
Like fire
In the loins,
Rises up like Kundalini,
 
Scalds lips –
Yours,
And mine
 
Yours,
Demure, tremulous and half-willing
Mine,
Resolute, seeking to douse fire with fire
 
Your forgiving rose-petal lips
Their honeyed innocence rifled
Awakened to forbidden relish of the flesh
Quiver into a faint smile of
Pyrrhic victory
 
For me
Rising of the self
In war against itself
A mutiny
An apocalypse.

Picture design by Anumita Roy

Prof. Swaraj Raj

Prof. Swaraj Raj is a Patiala-based freelance writer, translator, a keen photographer, and nature enthusiast. He retired as Professor of English and Dean, Faculty of Languages, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib. He has more than 70 publications to his credit in journals and books.