Summer [from the diaries]

A koel has gone insane
This summer.
She sings saucily
Through hot afternoons
Urging mango ripes to overflow
She sings into the sunset
As if
She decides when dusk should fall.

Hers is a wanton call
Coaxing the sap out of drying barks
Seducing the juice
From summer blooms

A koel has gone mad
This terrible summer

It’s pecking at my heart
To pour its liquid song
Into my veins


17/6/98