Depression

I see the physical you
amongst shadows
in between shades
incorporeal, unearthly
ominous, definite


I see you move
I see you alive
I see you breathe
I see you smile
I see you taking over


Your face haunting every road
your presence marking every corner
walking step in step
sitting next to me
holding me, sleeping with me



Dark as the night
as dense as fog
heavy as cloying heat
so familiar, yet a stranger
asphyxiating, guaranteed

Safe

A cabaret, feathers, silks, furs, tutus
A dropped silk, an open smirk, smiles, gazes
A dropped feather, a contemptuous look

A masquerade ball, masks, veils,cloaks, plumes
A dropped hint, a cutting comment, glances, moves
A revealing glance, a scornful laugh

Family dinners, friends gathering, getting-together
Ritualistic love, hugs, kisses in the air
Banter and conversation, loud laughter
Cold eyes, colder still hands

Skins, layers, films, sheaths
Fences, walls, ramparts, bulwarks
Strengthened, fortified, defended,
Bastioned, barricaded, safe.

Nahi chahiye

Nahi chahiye, nahi chahiye ab ki baar
Woh sukoot, woh sannata, wahi toot phoot
Kirchchi kirchchi udhadhti rooh, raiza raiza wajood

Nahi chahiye, nahi chahiye ab ki baar
Woh barsaat, woh jhadhi, wahi rimjhim
Bin lahoo ke jism, bin saans ke rooh

Nahi chahiye, nahi chahiye ab ki baar
Woh girya o'zaari, woh siski, wahi bemaigi
Rooh cheekhti, jaan bilakkti hui

Nahi chahiye, nahi chahiye, bohot hua
Bohot hua imtihaan, ziyaye waqt, sab raigaan
Bohot hua, ab bohot hua, aur nahi chahiye

Ready to walk again

A scream breaks up and dies inside
Shivers tremble, slither, slide down
Tears collide with the speed of lightening
Eyes shut tight, oblivious to light, colour, life
Yet my heart stands up tall
Straightens its dress, brushes the dust off
Ready to walk again


It registers a knock then a flurry of fists
The ground gives way to a wingless flight
Speechless, sightless, soundless
Too late for death, for release, to exhale
Yet my heart stands up tall
Straightens its dress, brushes the dust off
Ready to walk again