LIZARD
The lizard and the frog stare.
Who is aware if, in their purview, I
am a worm, insect or genie?
The suds of Chandrika soap *look on with difficulty at my body wiggling
like a bug in the lizard's mouth.
Underclothes hanging on the clothesline
sway in the wind.
Grabbing the shadow spreading on the water
in the trough with a quick leap, the frog jumps out.
Unable to bear the heat of the Sun and the sultriness of memories,
how many times does one bathe and get out?
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*Chandrika Soap: A very popular brand of toilet soap.