Srijoni’s evocative poem depicts a longing that illuminates holiness, revealing a soul’s face, yet it ignites a wildfire, exclusively for Different Truths.
The sky of sanctity is set ablaze In flames of desire, They engulfed my goodness and Unveiled my face, The spark I'd been naively Running after all along, Now become a wildfire, Beat me in the chase. Deadly cobwebs lingering Amidst the mute piano keys, In the dull, shabby shelves, Books half nibbled by mice, Obscure figures on the canvas Painted with dust – Everything turns into ashes In a trice. Tattooed limbs – With curses scribbled on the skin, Are all weary of dancing With the drunkards at night; I staggered into the burning house With my head spinning, And puffy eyes blinded by The dazzling party lights. The girl who murdered her ambitions, Destroyed all her dreams, In front of her vices Let her virtues surrender, From bloodshot eyes Shed her very last tears, As the Fire God Wraps his arms around her.
Picture design by Anumita Roy