The Almirah

Somewhere in your corners deep, Lies my love's first letter to me. Somewhere in your corners deep, Lies my dreams smothered dead. Somewhere, hidden, swaddled in clothes Trembles my fears, dark and black. Somewhere, among the faded silks A chempaka flower, fragrance faint.

These books that you hold for me, These clothes that you keep for me, These souvenirs of my forgotten past These remnants of my self, uncared for. One day, not long after have I left, Somebody would sweep it all off, Give you a new coat and polish your glass. New clothes, new dreams, sparkles of a new life Will light you up, so blessed are you!

Someplace for me, God, someplace for me To rest , to keep my weary life And someone, anyone - To fill up these bare, empty shelves!