June

You breathe, I listen
we wait for the rain
the clouds, cruel as ever
go their own way
and broken wings of dead butterflies
swirl in the hot wind
like rainbows split in between
a mad cat runs in circles
biting its own tail
kicking dust, chasing flies
sniffing the blazing air
it's ten in the morning
no one walks the street
the shades are drawn
the stores are closed
the leaves burnt to crisp
our shadows weep
big angry tear drops
fall on the cracked ground
and challenge the cruel summer

Mother

One day I will count your silver hairs
and we will sit beside the big window
breeze touching your crumpling skin
and we will welcome the silence

That day your pain won't be there
the food will forever be hot
your saree will be starched to crisp
and your couch soft and warm

You will sing in your clear voice
and read out stories for me
your voice laced with happiness
and dreams, hopes and memories

Your hands will smell of fresh spices
sunshine will light up your eyes
and I will sleep in your arm
dreaming of galloping horsemen

Nothing will fade out again
the pictures will hang in a line
your comb will be clean and
your glasses wiped with a soft cloth

One day I will collect your love
from every corner of this house
and make scars with their sharp edges
in the empty hollows of my heart