Dr. Swathi SB
Primary care and HIV physician,
Bangalore

Brought you
to my home
first one of our own.
Thought you'll bring
of course colour
& flower
but also a sense of
Power.

Proudly placed
the gullible you
under the sun
of my balcony,
the balcony
that was lifeless.

You grew your leaves
Stretched your arms
Hoping for care
some water and love
of your share.
I watered you
with a smile
but only
For a while.

I admired you
through the window
But again,
for a while.

You stood strong
despite the dust
from neighboring
building high
Your green faded
But not till it
was too long

How would I know,
I never came to see
your leaves dry
Nor did I hear
through the city clamour
your flower cry.

I feel sorry,
Why couldn't I
keep you
Alive?
Maybe the moons
Passed by soon?
Or the mug was
Too tired to walk
Out of the room?
Perhaps there's a
deeper fault
In the motive.
For I hoped you
brought life to the
balcony and yet,
forgot to keep you
Alive.