Gautam Naik
On breath
A subject so frail I must go
underwater to discuss it.
As on that Zanzibari afternoon
we toppled off a boat
accoutred like firemen -
fins, vests, too-tight masks
and all the rest - just to get
the hang of it.
We made a quiet fall.
In slow-blue time
expertly slipped
the deep-sea grumble
and smooth muscle heft.
Beneath the plankton weave
a congregation of light
cheered us on.
And then the civilisation
of the sea: angry urchin,
trumpet snout, brittle stars,
a scatter of cowry, that stingray
slab: all circled about
dazed coral towns.
Only the green moray
gulped, and looked on.
Where in that hour of stealth
did all doubt vanish? Was it
the sea’s absolute fidelity
that brought me to strength?
All I know: air was running out.
I held your hand, and we climbed
that long ladder of light.
I was breath-given, not denied.
Page(s) 13-14
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