Birthday

The knock was insistent

when I opened the door

my drugged steps wobbled

bleary eyes unfocused saw

a man holding a bouquet

bald bearded life beaten man

hard to recognize:

 

Happy  Birthday he said –

Whose Birthday?

Yours I remember

thirty five years have not

touched my memory –

But I don’t know how you know

I don’t recognize face or voice.

 

You didn’t recognize then

how can you now after

Mahanadi has dried up

temple bells replaced by

electric bells to wake you up’

 

Who are you please –

I am just a messenger of love

I have no right to love

but I carry the message

please receive the bouquet.

Thank you

Please forget my birthday

don’t show up next year.

Sabita Sahu