grandmothers


sometimes it happens
   grandmothers pass away
leaving tiny holes in the bed

their bodies light like birds…
   i wonder if she will find her way
to the next place

after all with every death
   the world goes into hiding
till the birds discover it again

with song
   perhaps she will make it
just like the old glossy ibis

that makes its appearance
   on the lake near our house
when it is overgrown with lilies.


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Salil Chaturvedi
salilwheels@gmail.com