my memory fails me

a green field stretched long

in front of the expectant eyes.

beyond it, a sunflower garden besmeared 

the air with its yellow pollens.

the skin breathed out sweat

under the scorching tropical sun.

the nose smelled fresh adventures

while the brain deviced vicious plans.

the legs were restless despite 

the newly cut wounds and scratches.

the muddied hands muddled 

the already torn clothes.

the lips curved into an excited smile

despite the shabby appearance.

it tasted like a child's holiday.

an instant later,

the image distorted.

a dull room with the green field 

and the yellow sunflowers

painted on a rigid framed canvas hung around.

what was the babbling about?

was that me in the picture?

was that a chimera

pulled out of a nostalgia?

tell me if a time like that truly existed

for my memory fails me here.

- Gayathri Tamilselvan

April 03