I look across the small Neckar at dusk,
and it is like an apology for
what we failed to accomplish
on these shores. You are away
in distant Bengal, where I now
imagine I’m drifting down the
scintillating expanse of the Hoogli
in a small boat, going by the Kalighat
temple, considering the din and
clamor there, distant from where
you are in the mire of Kolkata
at Ballygunje Place. But so close
that I can see you step out on
your wire-grated balcony to hang up
a red and gold sari to dry.
– James Steerforth (© 2008)
Written to incorporate 3WW’s words for today – apology, consider, distant.
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I like the imagery and the exotic nature of the setting. The vision of her stepping out on the wire-grated balcony to hang up a red and gold sari is in my mind like I am seeing it myself. Nice job!
Thanks, Corina. I’m happy the poem came alive for you.
this is such a lament like tale of a lost love.. so simple and yet so utterly personal in every way…
failed to accomplish on these shores…is there no tomorrow..?…but so close…sounds like it… it is a very beautiful apology… did she hear it?
James, a beautiful poem to lost love. So many thoughts go through my head and so many questions. The image of her hanging the sari is marvelous! Thank you for it.