MUSINGS : 1. THE MISSING

I stared at the closed window

of the unlit house.

The rusty gate groaned

as I pushed it open.

I felt the coarse bark

of the jamun tree.

Tangled weeds muffled the yard.

A frail guava tree bore

Two rotting fruits.

The roses had wilted
in the parched flower beds.

The clothesline was bare,

Save a few dew drops

clinging to its edges.

Above me, the rafters held

an empty nest.

No smoke spiraled from the chimney.

I stood there for a long time

without hearing a sound.

But when I turned around,

I caught the scent of damp fur,

A brown tabby purred beside me.

It rubbed against my leg.

It felt warm, like home.