They Never Said...Goodbye, So Arrivederci

They Never Said… Goodbye, So Arrivederci

They never said farewell

Arrivederci always, till…

Please come back again.

My gold autumn leaves

Shake,

Twist a crisp sigh

And make it into a song,

A paean.

Your leisurely footfall,

Soft swish of her organza sari

rustles in the faraway hall.

My memory vault glitters,

Sunshine preserves of 

Tranquil limpid clarity.

I recall how we bumped

Noses under the table

Playing "chor-police"

Thief and Inspector

Such perfect accomplices 

In hide and seek of blazing

Life and all-consuming death.

Of those glorious meals

Where all hands helped

Make a joyous love offering.

Cook me some soul food 

Again.

Play that deserted harmonium

Desolate upon floor’s indifferent bier, 

Gathering dust of abandonment,

Under grandma’s dressing table.

Black and shapely ebony, varnished 

Brass handles. Gleaming dreams of

Yesterday.

I lust for the life forces

Forged by intimacy.

I turn the rusted wheels of time

Backwards again.

Unite our voices

One more time,

In a choir,

In a tribute,

In a moment.

Let us bring alive the nightingale's

Pensive longings,

That revives dateless ages,

Let us live in timelessness,

Set us free of mortal cages.

Faceless angels, beautiful spirits

Free forever now to roam worlds 

Unknown to Men...

Dreaming about 

Days of magic,

Names move my tongue

Inviolate potent spells,

Good luck charms,

Never say goodbye, 

Arrivederci my talismans,

We will meet again.

Utterance is a yearning,

A shuddering relief, till 

They return, 

Oh! Fulfil me again.

© Amrita Valan 2017