Cloud messenger

Do you see that cloud there?
Once it was here with me.
I asked, can you bring him a message?
Small droplets densely.
Has it changed?
What do you see?

A lovers solace: to see something reminiscent of the beloved.
Maybe a drop falls down.
Rain.
Maybe snow.
Floating down, light and soft.
To touch something the beloved has touched.
Landing on your forehead.
Melts there.

Water like a tiny river making its way over your nose.
Caressing.
Towards your lips.
There I am.
Open your mouth.
Feel the cool, fresh drop.
Once it was here with me.


I wrote this after reading the classical Indian poem Meghaduta ("Cloud messenger") by Kalidasa. An English translation by Arthur W. Ryder is available here