by M.Mohankumar
Standing at the cross-roads,
he asked a passer-by, ‘Which way
to the New Theatre?’ And squinted.
The latter paused for a moment
and, squinting, said, ‘I don’t know.
Ask someone else.’
The former reddened in the face,
and said, ’How dare you insult me,
squinting the way you’ve done?’
And the latter said, ‘It’s you
who mocked, mimicking my squint.
I could see mischief in your eyes.’
‘Oh, what a mix-up!’ the former thought.
And he said, ’It’s a tic, my friend.
I meant no offence at all.’
“So it is with me – a tic,’ the other said,
visibly moved. Then they shook hands
and parted, full of fellow-feeling.
Mohankumar has published seven volumes of poetry in English. His poems have appeared in almost all reputed literary magazines in print in India. His first collection of short stories in English, ‘The Turning Point and Other Stories’ has been published by Authorspress, Delhi . Mohankumar retired as Chief secretary to Government of Kerala.
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