In The Back Of My Mind
The airplane coasted over the slums of Mumbai, Chiding at the cynicism of the high-rise in NYC Soon, we were walking towards the taxi, Hot humid air sticking to our faces Dark-complexioned men all around filling a void inside me Even though they were strangers Even though they were unknown They somehow filled the wide abyss in my heart People surrounded me Everywhere I looked I could see ME I could see myself around me After all those years of confusion I could finally see an Indian like me..... Poignancy, sheer exhilaration and nostalgia gripped me Unwillingly bringing me back Taking me along to the India of 1990's My country somehow felt different to me, A stranger in the back of my mind So close yet just out of reach An indescribable feeling to me Exasperating my piqueness to no end I searched and searched Until I just stopped. I stopped looking for an answer And started accepting