REMAINS, TRACES, MEMORIES - last week at college

static images above a shimmering flame,
moist kerchiefs and scribbled names,
monotone of noise encroaches in --
i'm not good with plastic grins.

synthetic eyes and squandered lines,
inquisitive fingers, but - "I am fine"
twenty days and the encroaching bend --
photographs, phone bills and emotions penned

remain as scraps, hungry for the flame --
dry kerchiefs, and forgotten names.

attired looks for the bored eye --
bruised knees, and the want to learn to fly,
is over now -- a petulant whim;
years after -- "that guy...is that him?"

reluctant strolls and images cascade --
memories, of the haziest shade
shake up the images under the shimmering flame --
torn kerchiefs, and once well known names.

So, goodbye dear friends, i bid you well --
invigorating smiles to conceal the swell --
may they make worlds shine and linger on --
for newer eyes to replace eyes that are gone.

backbenched laughs and illegible hands,
will tomorrow seem alien and distant lands?
but the smoke will remain to keep memories of the flame,
burnt kerchiefs and stubbed out names.

TWENTY NINE – CARD GAME WITH FRIENDS

Why, in the shades of black and white,

Red, appears lucrative to every eye?

Fanned expressions and the roving –

Eyes, catch momentary glimpses and

Nostalgia arrests concentration.

The fingers loosen, the mind drifts

To memories of bespectacled faces;

And a beautiful, deceptive eyelash,

Serenades into the nostalgic airs.

The song seems familiar, yet subtle –

The eyelash quivers in an approval,

Probably, balmy evenings are canny –

Hesitant eyelids give way, and meet.

I knew she was hiding – as usual.

My sad eyes gave that knowing smile,

She reciprocated with her eyelash.

‘Where were you’, demands the silence.

Guess, I was always here – by your side.

Clocks tick by inconsequentially..

Voices subside, the hearts close in.

Amidst clouds of smoke and colours

The afternoon rolls by with aplomb.

A few grey streaks have been in vain –

You still inspire the artist’s hand…

The brush seems alien to the bankers

Red, white, black and denominations

Engross me more than the warm green,

The shielded eyelash, which is, to me –

Floxynossynihiliphilification.