the gypsy in me

there is a gypsy inside me
she sighs when she sees
pieces of this planet
spilling with beauty
captured in Polaroid and films
it aches to pack its bags
and go out on a trip
scale every possible mountain
touch every ocean in reach
before lying down to sleep.

there is a wise woman inside me
one that chastises that wild
reminds her again and again
you can save yourself
from cold, heat, rain and snow
stalking tiger, snakes, wolves
for they strike for fear or hunger
what will you do with men?
they will be waiting everywhere
you can save yourself or fail!


Sharmishtha basu
4.12.10

gypsy lady

she sat in a trance so serene
her hazel eyes reading me
the gypsy lady made a sign
towards the next chair for me
her language was not known to me
she drew a symbol just for me
on the table with a small chalk red
her fingers painted words unsaid.

Sharmishtha basu
17 .1.11