The River Jhelum-Durga Revisted

One Part Sagittarius

From the desk of Vitasta Raina

They have gone from this place

This place that was once a cathedral

Or a bedroom with a green mosquito net

Hanging from the ceiling to trap the golden

Star lion falling from the black sea jungle

Of the constellations that make your
Birthday parties worth rejoicing.

The flag he held in his hand

Fluttering in star dust wind

Is an advertisement in a newspaper
To come and grasp his hand in your hand

And your hand in the green net;

Trapped like a sparrow in a room without a window

They have gone from this place.