In this enigmatic poem, Deeya explores the many forms and manifestations of water – an exclusive for Different Truths.

Water can be split into atoms
Of civilisation, by birth it
Nourishes the very phloem of our
Existence, our very bones.

A hermit meditates while
A Caribou, a Gazelle, or a Cheetah
Are sustained by it,
Weary women trudge miles to 
bring it home, and through it
hopes of a hearth are kindled.

It carries a configuration of dreams
And offerings to the Gods. Its
Bosom is malleable, ductile.

It can be circular, elliptical
Square or round as the container
Contained. It could be a puddle
Where innocent faces of children lurk
A sea, lake, or a storm. It could be puffy
Clouds, crisp legends, or unsung heroes
Who lives in epics.

The Dragon Kings shift to human forms
Here and live in crystal palaces
Guarded by shrimps and crabs. It could
Be the Kappas or the Jengu. The Lady
Of the Lake are born here, a water deity.

Humans here worship in springs
And holy wells, snakes, turtles
And fish – each recurrent in 
A form or shape, resurrect.

Here Nations wage war in crystal deaths.

Picture design by Anumita Roy, Different Truths

Deeya Bhattacharya

Born in Durgapur, West Bengal, Deeya Bhattacharya has a PG in English Literature and a Graduate in Education from the University of Burdwan. Her poems and articles have appeared in several national and international journals, websites, and e-zines, besides several anthologies. Member of Poets International, she has read her poetry at quite a few fests. She teaches English and Poetry at a State Government High School.