KOREAN HUG

I was tired returning to the hotel
From a recce for our Korean movie.
I was tired, and my head fell
On an Indian shoulder
That was sitting by me.

She felt awkward for some obvious reasons.
I realised it, and tried to be upright.
Probably I was looking for skins and bones.
Probably I was looking for a yellow light.
And you realised it.

When I returned to the hotel,
You came close to me
And took me in your soft arms.
Years passed, and the sapling became a tree.
But I could not forget your Korean hug.

Afterwards, you said something to me —
I still remember.
My poor soul still feels to swim across seas,
Run across lands, and
Fly across the sky
For your Korean hug.

How are you doing, my dear?

©Saibal Ray

13/10/2025