Sepia musings (poem)

(originally published at http://magazine.crimsonfeet.org)

Naseer speaks with power, Amitabh adds dignity

And oddball Om splashes a dash of affection

Knitted foreheads, twinkles in the eye

And then pockmarks that show perfection.



Preity’s dimples, and Dimple’s pains

Borne with strength, enhanced

Zahida’s hidden anger,Tabu’s postures:

Unintended beauty makes the trance



In the black and white memories of years gone by

I see Balraj twitching, Guru Dutt yearning

Dilip strutting, and Dev dismissive:

strong souls, weak hearts — all in churning



Seductive gaits, eccentric traits

Madhubala’s antics, recalled in anxiety

Meena’s tears, self-indulgent:

clay feet show beneath my Deities.



One movie I saw, on the first day of college

Another on the last day of school

And do you recall the other one? Oh I forget its name!

But it did rain that day, and the scenes made me drool!



Amid the celluloid visions, and dark theatres

There were aunts and uncles,. And exams.

Dancing hormones, youthful skins

Cute little babies in neighbour’s prams

When years grow old and fans stay young

Will Akshay and Salman render sweet pain?

Can Kajol be an old man’s consort?

Can Shah Rukh show sunshine in rain?


Is it us, or is it them? Or is it

the design that time weaves?

Is it spring that magic brings,

Life Eternal, or autumn leaves?

(c) N. Madhavan