Neither do I remember anyone Nor does anyone make my blood weep.

He used to sit In my eyes after Waking. Which country Did he leave for?

Now none leaves for countries afar Nor do I remember anyone.

The evening lamps Were yet to open their eyes And the night had already Left them behind, blinded.

My body was yet to be used, A pile of translucent cordwood. But the night had already torched it, leaving behind a heap of coal.

Now none burns here. Neither do I remember anyone.

Translated from Hindi. 2004:01:09 17:30 Atlanta

Heart be kind and sign the release As the trees their loss approve. Learn as leaves must learn to fall Out of danger, out of love.

What belongs to frost and thaw Sullen winter will not harm. What belongs to wind and rain Is out of danger from the storm.

Jealous passion, cruel need Betray the heart they feed upon. But what belongs to earth and death Is out of danger from the sun.

I was cruel, I was wrong - Hard to say and hard to know. You do not belong to me. You are out of danger now -

Out of danger from the wind, Out of danger from the wave, Out of danger from the heart Falling, falling out of love.

Under a cold moon what I write, I write simply. Words are cracks That winter etched on my skin.

At a night hour when I write, I write simply. Words are footfalls of panthers pacing my bones.

Lying in bed where I write, I write simply. Words are the insomnia, the bed and the blanket.

Thinking of you, you for whom I write, I write simply. Words are cubits of breaths between us, and don’t require thanks!