The unfledged night has yielded
to the rapids of darkness:
leaving the soft black sky -
studded with stars, blooming!

By the myrrh-filled temple, along the lily pond,
the trees are in a slumberous state.
No one awakens them -
all Nature's beings are sleeping!

Far yonder, in the mist-filled, wooded forests,
as if in deep meditation!
Both preys and predators, are still, in postures -
on ground, and airy heights of canopies!

In the midst of this pin-drop silence,
my languid heart stirs up!
Only I am wide awake -
fondling your fragrant memories!

Mumbai
1999

Geeta Chhabra

From the book: Smash My Glass by Geeta Chhabra