Varanasi1

Varanasi, so I never forget...

Varanasi, city of my heart,
You so disturb me
With your adolescent caresses.

Varanasi, ancient city
Old beyond time,
Wiser than rivers, deeper than seas.

You are like a young man to me,
Lean and waiting, impatiently poised
At the startline of adulthood. Come
near me, urgently, Fumbling against me
In the dark, circling hand seeking navel,
Cool fingers sink in
Deeper than skin.

Your tenderness enslaves me,
Despite your brash nature,
Your quick temper, your dirty streets
And tourist traps,

Your tenuous love so enthralls me,
I never know whether to love
Or escape you.

“Madam rickshaw please.”
“Where are you from?”
“Where are you going?”

Oh you fool,
You dusty soul,
I do not know.
I will leave you always wondering…