Sitting up until late, The two of them kept Watching the rain fall.

She kept pointing to me The droplets sliding along The electric wires, which Fell as soon as two of them merged into one.

All the while I was afraid that Perhaps electricity might pass Through one of those naked wires And set off a fire

She made many paper boats and let them Lose in the gutter, saying they will meet Again somewhere on the wide whale routes.

All the while I was afraid that a unseen whirlpool Would leap and gulp down those pieces of paper.

Filling her skirt with falling water She taunted the half filled puddles. She was very little, very innocent. When she stepped into the water, It too began to laugh and giggle.

And all the while I With my cargo of age and knowing Floated on and on Along her side, in all that rain.

Translated from Hindustani This one is for Kutti, a fellow Gulzar lover