The Moonshine Square Girl Guide

For Ulfat and Madhurima

Catch a train to Moonshine Square,

stop. Hold my hand, hold your smile,

wade through an ocean of mud

and of people,

then step outside.

It is hot, look at your face, red
like a heart,
cover your head with my scarf,
it will keep you safe from any sun
that dares to enter without invitation.

Drink this sugarcane juice, cold,
drink tea from my teacup,
drink wine, and drink your tears with it.
Or not.

In the debris of a dead queen's garden,
lay your head on my lap,
the corners of my kurta
were thirsty anyway,
they don't mind your rain.
They will sing for you
every monsoon raag they know.

After all your sorrow has turned
into vapour, your stomach
will rumble for want of more.
Hold it for one season, then sell
your feet to the antique store,
it will be a fair exchange.

Your lungs will tire
of the smoke in your hand,
eat every flame.
The river of poison that was made
to flow inside of you
will smack its lips.

Stand in front of old walls
made of old men
and growl at them.
If they fall, walk away.
If they smile, ask for the way
to Ghalib's house.

At night, don't wait
for the stars to come out,
light the sky with your eyes
- soft as lava.
Scream and shout till the city wakes,
it tends to sleep under its own wings
just like you do.

When it's time to go home,
take one last glance at the moon,
you will be just as full as her.
The new meat will help you
grow a new pair of feet.
Try them out, race me to the top,
we will not hold hands,
this time, you will know where to stop.