Wronged

Let’s say you’re opposed to the ghost

in principle, your pragmatism disallows it  

yet, let’s say you secretly desire it,

so that he could have a way back in,

find manifestation to the lake in you,

carefully shored from the world,

where his former friends and family,

no longer speak his name, which is lost,

and yet you treasure it, repeating lovingly

the alliteration in your names;

so let's say you unabashedly desire

to see him, selfishly seek utterance,

to your undying grief, 

and let's say you are probably,

still smarting, a little crazy, bitter,

it's just that you want him to appear,

so that you could screech at him,

Why, why did we not have time?

-

Chandni Girija

April 23, 2021

Inspired by today's NaPoWriMo's challenge to write a poem in response to another poem. 'Wronged' is a response to Jeet Thayil's 'Life Sentence.' Thayil is an author who has stayed and talked in my head. His 'Narcopolis' was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2012. Thayil was one of the judges of the 2020 International Booker Prize. 

I have contrasted with Thayil's conception. I have followed his form, while differing in some instances. However, it is my feeling that has largely taken over. Poems, I suspect, write themselves :)

Photo by Pixabay, procured at Pexels

Day 23 of 30 | 30 Poems in 30 Days | National Poetry Writing Month #napowrimo