It flickers last on the long drawn-out list of requirements.
But, it has its settled place in my pocket
Like the stretched string on a Veena.

Drying my eyes and concealing my sighs within its layers,
It takes into its sure sweet hands
The momentous events of my life.
Standing by me in the thick and thin of the day
And never settling comely where it was put
It embraces me dearly
With love and concern
Only to get tarnished in return
With the shades of my sad and solemn moments.

Be it the droning swarm of hovering mirages,
Or the aroma of my fruitless love,
Or the fears and passions erupting out of sudden happenings
Why
It absorbs every single secret of my life into its fold
And waits on me, ever so eagerly
Extending a guileless friendly hand.

When sun is at his singing best over the crown
It sponges over the perennial springs of sweat
Planting a deep endearing kiss and restores sanity.

At great gatherings, parties and while on travel
It always books me a seat at no cost
And becomes a handy wave of flag at see-offs.
No matter whether I caress it gently spraying scents
Or, wriggle and crumple and cast it off,
It waits a lifetime for my care and attention.
Unmindful of who calls on, it serves as selflessly
And stands out a symbol of love and fraternity.

It's why I commend:
Present a hanky whomsoever you love.

December 4, 2005 

Telugu Original: Smt. Swarajyam Ramakrishna.   

Poems published December 4, 2005   
A Friend Indeed by NS Murty 
And So I'm Writing by Aparna Chatterjee  
At Last by Kumud Biswas  
Brother by Shernaz Wadia
Daddy by Annu Chopra 
Journey of Life by Vasanta Athilat
Lost by Dr. Uma Asopa
Love and Hate by TA Ramesh  
The Death Bed by Aparna Chatterjee
The Leveller by NS Murty  
The Wasted Tears by Rajaram Ramachandran
Void by Nooria Rahmanzai 
   

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