Poem #2

 

Four Communications from Sriram Bharathi

 

(1)

 

I sit near the statue observing it while she performs

the arthi in the sanctum sanctorum. The sreechoornam

cuts the idol's forehead, revealing its symmetry. She

returns, asking me if I could see the silver line in the eye.

 

It was absent yesterday.

 

                                                            (2)

 

An array of coral jasmines has formed on the veshti

I spread out beneath the tree last evening. This morning,

as I approach it, I hear a song: it is Ahir Bhairavi.

 

           

                                                            (3)

 

The discussion on the Alvars is interrupted

by the smell of sandal that isn't there anywhere in the house.

 

It means affirmation.

 

(4)

 

I feel the heaviness of oil being poured on one side of my head.

Someone massages it vigorously. I wake up with a headache.

 

The Siddhar talks of uncorrelated events. But in the end,

he says something that is of relevance: He is not gone.