candle light tryst

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

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
killing women and children
________________________

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