Poem 1

Every year
have I gone
on the slanging spree
by the side of respectable fires
to tear off the owlish masks
and have showered generously
the choicest gaalis
without fail, without count.

Many an aunt
caught me stealing
cowdung cakes
for Holi.

But today..
someone yelled from behind:
"Go splash colour on that half xxxx"

Wrapping up the gaalis
I rush to light the fire
of Holi,
only to find small pyres
and no trace of Prahlad.

The fire consumes me.
To the rented house
return
my ashes.

At leisure, on the
spacious funeral grounds
you may now investigate:
"Wasn't he a Muslim, was he?"

=~=~=~
NOTES

gaali - abusive terms/words/phrases
half xxxx - a derogatory term used in jest implying that circumcision leaves the person with half the organ.
Prahlad - the poet's friend named after a character in Hindu mythology symbolising devotion, righteousness and courage.