The Keeper Of Memories

 Tughlaqabad Fort, 2009

  

I bend my face to the earth

So I can nibble at the memories, paths hold

Of my ancestors who once cantered along, and

Where I now meander in silence.

I’ve all day to myself,

To do as I please among the ruins,

Ranging along paths, to

Secure memories on their margins, marginal or otherwise.

Every once in a while

The fort walls let up on some secrets from a long time ago,

Just enough so I’ll continue rambling among them, for

They’ve stood here a long time, alone, and bereft of the purpose,

A famous king once invested in them.

They continue to seek relevance

In the grand scheme of things their creator once sought,

Before abandoning them to the fate

The curse of an enraged Sufi, precipitated.

‘Ya rahe ujar, Ya basey Gujjar’

(It will either remain deserted or be inhabited by Gujjars*)

I’m all they have now,

The keeper of their memories,

And they,

Of mine.

* Gujjars are a pastoral community.