Shadows

Through
the labyrinth of the narrow lanes,
the solemnity of the ghats,
the vast expanse of the river,
I search for the shadows on stone.
The little karmic marks
left there
from a past life.

On the other side
of the low brick wall,
the fragrance
of the fallen champa flowers
assail the senses.
I look for the shadows of the rose.
The wisps of inscriptions
on cottonfields
of stone.