INSOMNIA (2)

You are that fragrant rose petal
that the wind blew into my face.
You took away a tiny bit of my soul
when you flew away.
Ever since I have wandered
in search of this lost completeness.
Spent and tired I staggered lost
into this watering hole.

They’ll throw me out at ten-thirty sharp!
They’ll throw me out at ten-thirty sharp!

And again I’ll wander through these unlit streets
seeking you everywhere.
These streets, where once we used to loiter
hand in hand as lovers, now my only refuge!
I’m sorry I had to put on a mask those days
assuming yours too to be a false façade.
Your memories! They impale me to a cross
like sharp piercing nails.
Your tears, are they dripping even tonight?
Won’t you give me back my lost sleep ever again?

A translation of my Malayalam poem 'Nidravihinatha'
(Insomnia) published in the March 2020 issue of
the Haritha Keralam magazine.