Rain is a lullaby heard through a thick,
isolating blanket of clouds. It is the tinkling harp of water droplets; a moist
breath whistling through willow reeds; a pattering beat background to the
mourner's melody. Rain is a soft song of compassion for the brokenhearted. For
people whose lives take a halt every time they hear the thunderstorms
or lightening coupled with the tiny droplets making them remember the ghosts of
the strangers past.
Nothing is stranger or more ticklish than a
relationship between people who know each other only by sight, who meet and
observe each other daily - no hourly - and are nevertheless compelled to keep
up the pose of an indifferent stranger, neither greeting nor addressing each
other, whether out of etiquette or their own whim. But nevertheless, Love
between strangers takes only a few seconds and can last a whole life.
STRANGERS
I turn back to see whose hand is in mine.
The rain has washed you clean.
My frowns that stuck to you were thankfully
soluble.
Your lovely wet tresses breathe in their own
fragrance.
Your eyes hide a smile in the silken
darkness.
The moonlight treads carefully.
I stare at you mesmerized.
It is nice to meet you again.
I am delighted we can still whisper to one
another.
You look forward to another rain.
- Single Woman and Other Poems by Manoj Wad
Published by Mehta Publishing House,
Pune
