The Torn Threads of the Kantha Quilt

 

The rugged pits of your orange peel skin -

blue eyes, indifferent

fleeting, glinting, camouflaging

unhurried explorations, known discoveries

expanding, expanding

with the voice of your touch – 

 

barking dogs, oily wicks, enveloping heat

intoxicating, camphor, rain,

forgotten prayers

if only, if only...

 

lips

unruly eyebrows, lassoing, preying

lips 

puckering soft

pickle kisses

vermillion, orange, the smoldering within

sharp teeth, trees falling, machine-gunning

tart, tart, lime juice

dripping 

sweet mercy

into me

 

© Sreedhari Desai