An enigmatic dark poem, by Prof. Sanjoy, exclusively for Different Truths.
Old fort’s walls lean towards the ground, Bygone era’s trees look down on their fallen leaves, Grass finches peep through their swinging nests At the green carpet which changes its colour: Russet brown is time for lighting fires. Maledictis of frost bites have paled the sky And the anaemic sun has lost its warmth. Only juveniles see the smile on its face. Adult’s wait for cold death’s claims to rise, Count numbers and observe the falling parabola. Cows shiver their milk before stuffed calves. Retired men breathe like bored engines, Journey hasn’t come to an end. Ganges looks at its flood marks with satisfaction; Waves know the consuming sea is away. Children on way to the examination hall, Stiff goats being led to the abattoir. Fear of death spreads like a clot in the head; Carp unable to escape the warped aquarium – Passage through weeds is full of antecedents. Mother’s picture is of happiness frozen on the wall. Angst is pea in a pod; Flowers are locked inside unripe buds on the net. Fakir’s grave is white as ghosts Its power drives out in return for prayers. Before crows stands a sparrow for its nestlings, Twittering. An Octogenarian locks his door. He would not allow pneumonia to turn His infant grandson is as cold as the season. He knows winter can kill before it dies.
Visual by Different Truths
Prof. Sanjoy Saksena was educated at the Universities of Allahabad and Oxford where he was a Commonwealth student St. Catherine’s College. Various academic errands and programmes have taken him to Switzerland, Italy, Germany, France and Sweden. He has published numerous papers/ chapters in various books and journals. He writes poetry also and dabbles in theatre. He has been the Warden of the Muir Hostel and at present he is Professor of English at the University of Allahabad.
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Such a wonderful poem to engage. It captures a diverse and a picturesque narration of how the winter looks and feels like in a ‘walled’ city. The imagination that it paints in our minds is simply amazing.
Thank you.
Ram