FIRST WORDS

Tie the knot with my mortgaged life – 
I have started the self-descent. 

Don’t leave me alone – 
I have to unload some debts. 
It was very disturbing. I have again forgotten 
my alphabet and become illiterate. 
Your consent is must 
for starting a new journey. 

I am neither afraid, nor worried 
but fever is rising, like a flood 
and ridge was collapsing. 
The death was unknown to me – 
it will come one day as a guest 
and stay with me forever. 

Times have rattled me enough 
and sword hangs from the roof. 
Why do I dream such? 
The dichotomy between gold and lies 
will start one day. I cannot go back 
to my dilapidated house where I met the first words.

Satish Verma