and a million others shining up
from the railway tracks
that lead unto me, everyday
like the million lines on my face
each line for the million times i have prayed
exhaling a million plumes of smoke
that fill the million braids of my hair
You ask me a question,
I close my eyes,
I crease my brow, and nod my ashen-face
as though I've always known you'd come
but all I do
is take a long drag
and stare at you
as your faith stares back
and snares me between the million lies, tracks
that lead away from what is true
I quietly put my conscience away
"Son, you have sinned!", I say,
And you grow pale
"Maharaj, is there a way?"
you ask,
as you tremble with the memories of that frightful day
Another drag; you wait,
as i close my eyes and negotiate
"Sure, but there'll be a price to pay"
And you are happy
to trade your guilt for a hundred rupees
and thank God for deal-makers under trees
As i hoard my own guilt,
and pray to find a deal-maker for me
- Inspired by the powerful 'Immersion', by a friend, Ayan
