The Forest in Summer
From the distance kerwa hill looks like a beggar
With a tattered robe from which patches of dark
Skin peep out. The lantana is shriveled
To dry tinder and trees lift spiny arms
Towards the cloudless sky.
Bean pods
Bla kered with heat rattle on trees. But
Even amid the desolation, there are some trees
Like Neem and peepul or even the humble Palash
Which are startingly green, as though enjoying
The heat and on the leafless Imli tree
Tiny green leaves are already budding out
From thousand of catkins.
