Kamala Das

I don't know politics but I know the names Of those in power, and can repeat them like .Days of week, or names of months, beginning with Nehru ,I amIndian, very brown, born inMalabar

Driving from my parent’s home to Cochin last Friday ,morning, I saw my mother ,beside me

There is a house now far away where once ,I received love……. That woman died The house withdrew into silence, snakes moved Among books, I was then too young

This is a noon for beggars with whining Voices, a noon for men who come from hills ,With parrots in a cage and fortune-cards ,All stained with time