MANI RAO

Three Poems

I’m not afraid of death, I’m afraid

Of inconsequential sunsets, of
fingerprints on spectacle lenses,
and always waking up at 3.33

This Marriage

It’s not too cold, I know,
but I had nowhere else

to keep this overcoat

All my suitcases were full
And my closet overcrowded

So I just let it sit
upon my shoulders

Love poem at 3.33 am

I see her eyes in water
Suddenly the water is full of eyes
Splashing my face
I’m shy

I tore out the wind-chimes
to listen 
You were racing through my veins
The curtains did a two-step
and swirled

I’m leaving you
Even in my dreams I’m leaving you
You don’t believe me
Even in my dreams you don’t believe me

Mani Rao is the author of eleven books of poetry and three books in translations. www.manirao.com