For Natasha

Written for someone who completely took me by surprise.
Lesson learnt: Do not trust people easily and Never write poetry for someone who thinks it's corny.


Together we have climbed a thousand stairs in ancient forts
where women of power made their impact known.
We have danced in the shadows of the ocean tide
and waved at the mountains on the other side.
She is a Russian form of saying resurrect yourself from the ashes
and bring warm, flowing happiness to all.
We have sipped tangy lime juices on wooden platforms
as the lunatic Hyderabadi traffic zips fast, past
together been there done that
where she goes, joy follows
she is not an open book, she is more like literature
Waiting to be discovered.
We have understood protection together
and men and life and love and euphoria
Me, with the snobbish air and the madness of Lent
And Natasha, with the quiet reserve and the hidden love.
Together been there done that.
Now, I understand, what friendship. Means.
What it really means.