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.