KASHMIR

VISIT-I

On taking leave
Nafisa gave
A Chinar leaf.

Chart of tears
Glowed in it.

Mist nestled trees.

Stars melted
In Jhelum.
Bluish hearts
Flew over as moths.

VISIT-II

Curfew torn streets
Speeding army trucks.

Election posters
Plastered wounds.

Gunned down twilight
Fluttered in the Dal lake.

Alone,at night
To Chasmeshahli.
Haunted in memories
In Gulmarg.
At Khulanmarg
As destitute.

Infront
Hurriedly
A Chinar leaf falls
Glued
In human flesh and blood.

Frightened Jhelum
Flows feverish.


*Jhelum, a river.