Coming Back

we are now approaching New Delhi station

send the car to the east exit

with so many marriage processions

it will take an hour to be home

                         *

I told you about that bridge

from beneath which the river has walked away

and crows’ feet on white afternoon sand

punctured white-water rafts laid out to dry

                        *

the hotel was by this dry river bed

called ‘moon-ran-away’

or ‘moon-destined’

or just moon shaped

                         

                         *

they have planted poplar on the crown

good cash crop

they probably make cigarette paper

with the pulp

        

                         *

the girls all wear navy blue cardigans

and go to school on bicycles

and yellow beaked black geese

fly formation into the setting sun

                          *

we are at the platform now

my bag is so light

I don’t need a porter

thank god for cellular phones

that protect us from ourselves

                               *

turn the key in the front door lock

and take your pills

don’t wait up

Ashdok Niyogi

Barnwood poetry magazine