Aquarium

( for Sumi Mathai) 

A fish's life isn't easy.
Look at me.
I cannot close my eyes
I cannot stop moving
I cannot help hearing
All that I never wanted to.

I do not sleep
I do not dream
All I know
That a few strokes ahead
I will kiss the cold reflection
of my own self. 

Thank you, Lord, for this glass cage...

*********************  Balachandran, Trivandrum, 03.02.2009