“LULLABY OF HYDERABAD”

“LULLABY OF HYDERABAD”

Andhra Pradesh, India

I wish you days as long as the final sunbeams that slip into sleep
as bright as every tile and cloud, sweet as a lychee, the small tender
globe you hold on your tongue, the way the world holds you in its palm.

I wish you laughter, small sapphires, to nestle in the smallest corner,
the way your eyes shine, a bright flame.

I wish you peace and the stillness of stars
as the sun sweeps the tree tops gold, when the faith of roses bathe the house,
and the deep orange which glows inside hanging fruit
waits to be picked, when ripe with purpose.

I wish you love that fills your days and nights like the city streets,
so wherever you turn it is there, soaring with you, the child on a swing,
above the tallest buildings, carrying you like the breeze.

I wish you compassion, a heart as clear as a freshly washed glass.