Gopal ‘Sikhar’ Regmi
Just the other day,
you went past me
a few people around me
were in terror and perplexity;
you sneaked as a ghoul
from near the corners of my eyes and their cells
and passed over as a tickling.
This time as well
you sidelined me,
and yet, projected another date for returning.
Like a lamp that has run dry
of the fuel of zeal
flickering in dim, dying light
in search for the last and ecstatic coolness;
it must be allowed to die.
Acting is ephemeral;
you are everlasting.
When the play is over on the stage
the curtain should be allowed to fall.
In this contract paper called the world
whereon I signed with my toes
right on the day of birth
all my conditions have been set free
after their tenure has expired;
you have betrayed the conditions.
I pray, O Bhavabhanjini! make a quick entry
come after overseeing the last point in my contract
you are the narrator in my play
come; deliver the last speech in the play
and allow me my ultimate destination.
Release me from the manacles of sins
relieve me from this heat, this trepidation
O Muktidayani—the giver of salvation!
Stop these slaps of the world;
come; give a rest to my heart.
Manassas, Virginia