before..
the sun
like vermilion on a fair
forehead
the sky lies strapped to the
water filled paddy fields
like a Gulliver
a lonely heron by the water
like a seer brooding on
impending doom
the distant cacophony of
roosting birds
varied in type, single in
purpose
now..
dark ash spreads over the sky
like an opaque veil
trees stand motionless, arms
and fingers frozen
the last birds have snuggled
and settled in their perch
nightfalls are poignant
reminders of lost days
till stars come out with
sparkling promises
***
