Chittaranjan Dash, Delhi, 8 September 2024
Sadness is not dark to be evaporated by might of light –
It is not even memory to be wiped out in forgetfulness.
No, its not effect nor reflex action of some brute cause.
No, not even the whirlwind of happiness can decimate it.
Nor can you feel its tangibility by holding me very tight.
Not even an instrument: a legal tender to be exchanged.
Alas, in my heart of heart, I know i can’t take your pain.
But like soul, I feel it burning within you like a jungle fire.
So intense, so intense, is the flame, I am consigned to it-
Like fireflies, we can only be burnt embers of sadness.
