THE BIRD WATCHER

In this loka, a person is bound
to be smitten by an insect, at least once.
People usually don’t clash –
their umbrellas do.
A man attempts to throw himself off from a great height.
Why stop him?
Let him finish himself before
the rescuers arrive.
The birdwatcher’s been defeated this time.
He doesn’t know the names of the birds.
He no longer knows. They are heading towards his country,
Specifically towards his town. More specifically, towards his home.
He trembles in fright.
He speed-dials home.
He warns his wife to close all the doors and windows.
He is telling her to close all the doors and windows now.
He will photograph the birds and send the files to the
Ornithologists for identification.
‘Keep the cats in the cat house.’
‘Alarm the neighbours, the police and the monastery.’
He assures her, ‘Keep calm.
I will catch the first flight in the morning.
I’ll be there
before those birds land at our doorsteps.’

THE BIRD WATCHER

THE BIRD WATCHER