candle light tryst

in the flicker
of the kathak* flame
words on paper, you, me
bhangRa* of thoughts
machatay haiN
bay hanghaam oodham*

camouflaging candle light
flicker love fragrance
in the baithak* fireplace
and while finger tip thoughts
flame
all over your skin
mapping contours
brows, lips, nape
sighs of exhales

--------------i wander

to the distant fire-rain
of irreconcilable hatred
of grown men's firecrackers

_______________________________

* kathak
* bhangRa
* baithak = family room - informal sitting place
* unbridled passion