Poem
Jeet Thayil
Dear Heptanesia,
Dear Heptanesia,
Dear Heptanesia,
When you stop on Market Streetfor more anesthesia,
pick up some supplies
— brandy, papayas,
The Marsh Province Buys,
and oil
for the kerosene lamps.
Or else how will
the mail boat find us when
the power fails,
as it so often
does in these wretched swamps?
I need a hose, 7-gallon pails
(the frangipani’s
drowning in the heat),
a large black brolly,
and 2 DVDs: Pennies
from Heaven and Pope Pius:
His Story. When you return, I’ll be up
waiting, not tired.
I like it that you’re here
helping me cope.
I like to know you’re in the room,
a little out of range,
not saying anything
but letting me know I’m not alone,
not entirely.
© 2008, Jeet Thayil
From: These Errors Are Correct
Publisher: Tranquebar (EastWest and Westland), Delhi
From: These Errors Are Correct
Publisher: Tranquebar (EastWest and Westland), Delhi
Poems
Poems of Jeet Thayil
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Dear Heptanesia,
When you stop on Market Streetfor more anesthesia,
pick up some supplies
— brandy, papayas,
The Marsh Province Buys,
and oil
for the kerosene lamps.
Or else how will
the mail boat find us when
the power fails,
as it so often
does in these wretched swamps?
I need a hose, 7-gallon pails
(the frangipani’s
drowning in the heat),
a large black brolly,
and 2 DVDs: Pennies
from Heaven and Pope Pius:
His Story. When you return, I’ll be up
waiting, not tired.
I like it that you’re here
helping me cope.
I like to know you’re in the room,
a little out of range,
not saying anything
but letting me know I’m not alone,
not entirely.
From: These Errors Are Correct
Dear Heptanesia,
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