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‘A Photographer at a Royal Indian Wedding’ and ‘Blood Relatives’
Shamik Banerjee
A PHOTOGRAPHER AT A ROYAL INDIAN WEDDING
He stuck the camera’s lens into
The dishes—chicken, raita, rice.
The guests, ingesting leisurely,
Were taken by his great surprise.
He got hold of the bride to click
Some pictures of her dress in red,
Gold chain, and shoes. He didn’t spare
Even the hairclip on her head.
The day grows older. I’m afraid
His passion may invoke a plight
If he decides to photograph
The wedded couple’s long first night.
BLOOD RELATIVES
Give them your food; they’ll eat it.
But ask a crumb; they’ll flee.
Give them a task; they’ll meet it
If that includes a fee.
Produce a tear; they’ll like it.
Your tragedies—their joys.
Produce a smile; they’ll strike it.
Your silence—their loud voice.
Avoid their wiles; they’ll shame you
For growing too much pride.
But spurn their ways; they’ll blame you
For taking evil’s side.
Shamik Banerjee is a poet from India. He resides in Assam with his parents. Some of his recent works will appear in York Literary Review, Thimble Lit, and Modern Reformation, to name a few.
Instagram: @where_tales_end