I walk the narrow pithy lanes

One brick horizontal, the next vertical

forming a pattern that makes faces at me.

I left here in the 90s in search of something better

Better than the hands that stroked me, perhaps wanting me to stay

I was on a roll

I see a red brick house, its crumbling walls shedding red powder as it breathes

No one lives here anymore

The old watchman with grey cataract rings in his eyes, gathers twigs and lights a fire

He lights it each night to suspend the shivering fog curtain, temporarily

He feels my face with his craggy old fingers with yellowed brittle nails

He whispers a blessing

I see two shadows

I feel a warm familiar embrace

I am as tall as their chest

I feel safe

I am a child

I am burning with fever, my finals start tomorrow

Someone keeps a cool compress on my forehead

They help me with my school project, which gas do the plants let out when they breathe

Is it oxygen or carbon dioxide?

In a distance in the courtyard, the clay stove is lit

its golden yellow flames reach outward to taste the mist

Few spools of smoke rise up and make my eyes water

I dance to the rythm of mom chopping vegetables

My anklets jingle

The red bougainvillea sways in the warm evening breeze

carefree

What wouldn’t I give to smell the rolling fire again

To watch mother fluff perfect round chapatis amidst the glowing embers

I notice the jagged pieces of trampled hearts in the courtyard

O gentle soul I beseech you to lightly put them back together, and heal us anew

Like the blessed rain you send and the yellowed leaves turn green.

Namrita Swarup is a contemporary poet, active in online literary groups, known for sharing her “Brit grit” style of poetry, performing, and contributing to anthologies like Nari Tu Shakti Swaroopa, celebrating women’s strength, though detailed public profiles or a dedicated author website are not prominent in search results. She connects with readers and fellow poets through platforms like Facebook, showcasing her work and participating in literary communities.