Diwali

Diwali

You're up early
while I'm still sleeping
You have a puja to perform
of course.

So many names
for you to remember of
so many relatives crowding in.
I'm sure

you've forgotten
my name that lies afloat
like oil on a diya lit late
last night.

You're dressed
in a bright bright sari
that you're happily uncomfortable
wearing.

And unseemly
I am more concerned with
the taking off than the putting
on of it.

Past evening
I will walk to you through
the Sulphur of exploded
crackers

and stop
your mouth for a kiss with
your body soft between
my arms

like a broken-off piece of mithai.