Taj

TAJ MAHAL, AGRA


We crossed Jumna River
in a leaking boat,
and saw three camels -
a train through the water

I felt something, like
a lump in my throat
to see radiant marble,
brought by elephant porter;

on her deathbed she asked
for something to show the world
- what true love means,
its intricate shapes

floating above the surface
where dark waters swirled,
and the night spreads out
vast, glittering capes;

a paradise garden
for the palace jewel
who died giving birth
to their fourteenth child

life and death
must often seem cruel,
but in subtle splendour
their passion smiled.



My picture, taken in 1991 - click to enlarge