The temple stands strong and proud
The deity, tall and imposing
As I try to make a deal with god
Through my generous offering

I witness the deity closely
Looking for boons, inspiration
Instead, what I see is my own life
Float past me in a procession

With my hands folded, eyes closed
My heart begins to throb and shine
And before I can fully comprehend
It assumes charge of my mind

I find I am revisiting myself
My own life in this blood and flesh
In minuscule bits, bubbling up
To the near edge of my consciousness

Reassessing myself repeatedly
The I within and the I without
Trying to understand, disseminate
Moulted clean from self-doubt

The desire to visit a temple
Actually a desire to revisit myself
So that the chaff can separate
Leaving the self free of pelf

And by the time I finally leave
My ego strands shredded to bits
My true offering to the reigning deity
My complete ablution from grit

Subir Chakraborty / 28th July 2018