Poems

Lalesh

This is the sun.
And I am home. The nest 
the peacock angel protects
 
waiting faithfully.
The man tells me –
 
Look, see the Black One
who hovers on the thresholds.
See the One who can save humanity . . .
 
He tells how human dignity 
was preserved by the height 
of these mountains.
 
He says Our sun is the first to set.
The baptism of children is a wish 
hung on almond trees.
 
I start on the knots.
I begin in the dark, untying 
wishes sealed into velvet.
 
Spring has come –
and your departure is 
never-ending.
 
He tells me –
Leave your cold tears at the door.
This is our burden.
 
Don’t forget
You belong here by the mountains.
In the morning we will welcome you . . .
 
Making off erings to
almond trees and stones,
in scarlet velvet,
 
hearts undimmed by pain,
they recognised me –
a secret believer. 
 
I found calm sorrow in the mountain’s den.
 
And yes – I will come home,
to the almond trees and those knots
forgotten in the mountains. 
 
1 March 2014, Lalesh