Dry Twigs

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We sat in a circle
Of gnawed fingernails,
Our bowed heads drawing
Hieroglyphics of hope

Listening to our bold patriarchs
Setting fire to
All we had feared once —
Tipsy on epithets

We moved on
Through blue skies and storm:
Soft and easy prey
To swooping, claw-sharp lies.

Now, disturbed
By arrogant flies,
Helpless to turn back
The recalcitrant clock

Toothless we watch
Our bald patriarchs belch
Squirming, raise weak sticks —
Hesitate even to rub dry twigs.

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About VijayNair

I retired as Associate Professor, Department of English, Government Victoria College Palakkad, Kerala. I taught English Language and Literature in various colleges for 31 years. My Ph.D. thesis was on the plays of Wole Soyinka. My collections of verse include "The City and the Hermitage" (1988), "Doors Swing Open" (2008), "Eyes" (2010) and "Whispers of Light in Darkness" (2013). My poems have also appeared in the International Anthologies "I am a Poet" (2013), "With Love" (2013), "Synthesis" (2014) "Poetic Symphonies" (2015) and "Heavenly Hymns" (2015).

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