Four poems from Sanjeev Sethi
Centering
Engrossed in the interplay of quotidian
deeds, set asunder regimes are chapter
and verse of many passages.
Unreason has its reasons: some legit
some otherwise. How to rein in floun-
dering zeal?
Naysay to narcotized orbits.
These are band-aids. Fervor and frenzy
for one’s true calling is a way.
The other is to invoke His grace.
Objective
How to cohere disparate particles
of myself into an unimpaired being?
Does this stretch into strangeness?
Malodor that emits from me is mine
like the gentleness of my gibberish.
My spiteful speculations, indulgent
bits are mine. Is the perfect entity
ordained to be dappled?
Intaglio First published in Soul-Lit.
Beauty is betweenness thought and things.
Away from archetype, you’re closer to the
cosmic. Pain dwells when prayers collide.
Ego is an automobile that needs junking.
When witless sessions are winsome you’re
in love, camouflaging your core. In my dic-
tionary I draw your name and orexia adds
itself: emptying me of myself.
Tintinnabulations First published in Amethyst Review
Awakened insides ensure steadiness
in cognition and commission. In His
fluorescence thoroughfares glide to
goodness. If this seems ballyhoo-like
so be it. He doesn’t need this noise.
This is my deed, my dodge. His light-
heartedness eggs me on to poetize.
Sanjeev Sethi is the author of three books of poetry. His most recent collection is This Summer and That Summer (Bloomsbury, 2015). He is published in more than 25 countries. Recent credits: Talking Writing, Poydras Review, Litbreak, Red Savina Review, The Piker Press, Poetry Super Highway, The Penwood Review, Faith Hope & Fiction, Ethos Literary Journal, and elsewhere. He lives in Mumbai, India.