A Voice in the Dark | Shubhodeep Pal

(a cutout) The grey cat stirs upon the ledge, The bay is thick with flecks of white— Swift rays across the falling wall below, The floor before my bed is bright. From crumbling walls white-headed crows take flight. And half out of sleep I watch your sleeping face: Grateful for the resin-scented night. I get up and go out in a solitary daze… Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!

The chrysoberyl sky glints And shimmers. It’s dusk. Near moonlight. A fever bird pauses and grins While in my dreams I feel a slight Tremor and break. The adagio Is long and sorrowful and drab; I am filled with thoughts of you: At each insect I wistfully grab. The dead sun rains evening heat, My room fills with mosquitoes and sweat Even in my dreams I fitfully breathe— Dreaming of scribbling something infinitely great.