None could I see as I climbed up
The temple rickety,
Like a chair out of use.
My mind’s chatter accompanied me
Speaking persuasively,
Trying to salvage me whole
From future difficulties
Broken beings who can mend?
And creaky aged-bones
None will tend.
The dot of a temple I saw
And eased my shallow breathe.
Each step of this precarious journey
I was tempted to turn away.
I might have slipped a few steps,
Grazed my knee,
Wallowed in pain momentary.
Yet, my eyes gazed steadfastly
It was, as if the centre of my Universe
Beckoned me. And a broken me walked on.
Until I felt someone carry me
Lift my frail body
And then the monolithic stone Temple permitted me.
Someone whispered in my ear:
Seeker! Ask …
Pray, say what you desire!
Mumtaz Khorakiwala
20-4-2022
Picture courtesy: dusan jovic
