I have seen
a desolate river flowing
in voices and memories
always at sunset
when stones sizzle cold
and a hope in the tar,
sticks to the feet
I have loved you always in a night
when the city surged up in the sky
tatters of a fort covered our shame
We slept through the twinkles of a fading sea
of Gwalior and heritage…
Shadows of disgruntled courtiers
and Maratha minions
caught up in a sudden tide
of yet another age
We clung to naught and nukes
kisses and hushed promises
till yet another day
unfastened us again…
– Dr. Amitabh Mitra
May 8, 2005