That face on the wall…

 


Evocation in those enigma eyes,

I wonder, whatever did you see -

The rise of canvas on these walls?

Colours to rule all eternity?

 

Hundreds of years that carved these rocks

In ochred walls that silent fell,

Alive, yet if only you could come to life

What raspy stories would you tell?

 

Would you whisper jewels on your grace?

Sapphire, emerald sheathed in gold,

Or would you speak of nirvana cells

Before the grime and dirt and mould

 

That bracelet, necklace, turban green

Did they come from Scythian lands?

Will our tainted ears even understand

The peals of your cymbal hands?

 

You avert all gaze, we mortal souls

Are not meant to hear your speech,

Perhaps in hallowed walls of time,

Renunciation it is, you teach

 

The sangha long has left these hills,

It is a wonder that you stayed,

For those who can, there’s a lot to hear

In the words you never said…

 

06th August, 2022

 

Inspired by the mural painting of an Apsara, Cave 17, Ajanta caves

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