Tonight in Kashmir

Tonight,

I will be alone,

Under the heavy boots,

a mourner’s paradise

dark memories 

the alley is still, 

frozen by the lake

which no longer exists,

albeit under curfew!

Tonight,

I will be alone,

The moonlight is on the edge,

a glimmering gash

sneaking into crevices -

A dog whimpers,

An unknown groan ebbs

silence!

shifting pavement stones –

metal clangs,

a yelp –

a curse -

shaken moths, pooped drunks –

straggle into faded corners 

wingless, out-of-breath

Tonight,

I will be alone,

In the cold summer capital

Of a winter heart

My dreams

Must be awake, awaiting

In curfew somewhere!