how the hours drag.

I listen to conversation
not comprehending
a word.

My attention is riveted to the gate
for the sound of wheels on gravel.

What has delayed the chowkidar?

The post arrives at eleven.

It is now past noon.

So much heartache

And then
your letter arrives.

Egrets Flying
Egrets Flying

Rugged mango trees
dark leafed
swamped by monsoon rain

Dull cloud reflections

Look
Egrets flying

Naini Tal
China Peak
stately solitary steep
greets the passing parade of clouds
paying homage at its feet.

Naini Tal lake
reflecting at Dawn
its green surroundings
still sloped in deep shade.

Now look
Gold touched mountain heights
mirrored
as gold brushed mountain depths

Higher yet
and deeper still
the clear blue sky.

Calcutta
Amaltash racemes
silently shedding petals
in the midday heat.

Gul Mohur Masses
of cool scarlet rest the eyes
from the dust filled glare.

Rude raucous crows caw
on branches of frail yellow
Amaltash flowers.

Careless crows piling
twigs on forks of bare branches
Will their eggs be safe?
Pink Bougainvillea
flowers Paper crisp lie wind strewn
on rain-swept grass.