Ether

Ether: the clear sky; the upper regions of air beyond the clouds.

Looking at you, it seems like

there’s a whole another world that you flaunt.

Sometimes you decorate it more,

and sometimes lesser than you want.

You haven’t left a single colour in the spectrum,

you’ve made them all completely yours.

And they themselves never shy away

from letting us know where their hearts truly belong.

You keep changing and putting on display

your various moods.

What’s admirable is that

none of them are ever not you.

Perhaps you try to teach us

every step of the way

that even in changing moods, opinions and desires,

it is ultimately we who stay.

It is ultimately we who stay.

~Khyati

Thinking about Death

What do you say to a dying person?

Do you discuss the process, the aftermath or precursors,

or do you make empty promises

of a peaceful journey where they would be novices?

Do you tell them how it would feel once they are gone?

Or do you elaborate on the time spent, how it should've gone on and on?

Is it wise at such a time to demand forgiveness,

or is it imprudent to knock on a door that has been marked as death's business?

Should they be praised, their good deeds glorified?

Or their preferences inquired, as rules to abide by?

For death may very well be the next great adventure for them,

but what are we to do, left behind in a world devoid of gems?

~Khyati

To Papa,

You look at me plopped on my bed as you walk briskly by,

to the door as you say goodbye

for another day at the office.

I spot a new wrinkle as I follow the crevice

that leads up to the sides of your eyes.

I know you are made not for this but for the open skies.

Your interests and joys come out in glimpses

when you excitedly point out new and old vehicles

on the rare occasions when we travel to Delhi.

Or, when you ogle at dishes they make on TV.

And definitely when you savour the sweets;

the twinkle in your eyes makes those wrinkles take backseats.

I know you are passionate about your work,

but I am not sure if it's the job that makes you perk,

or if it's just you trying to make us a better life.

Nevertheless, I know you take everything in a stride,

whether it is letting go of your favourite things,

or helping someone make their living.

We keep disappointing each other now and then,

but you always remain my favourite among them, men.

You come back home to scowl at me as I am again on my bed,

and that pretty much defines our relationship in the now and ahead.

~Khyati

Muse: Kunal Rishi