(Art Work by Shaleen Rakesh)

Like a dog returning to the river

that has quietly run dry

I sit on your bed and try, to

sniff the sheets for traces of summer heat

subtly the way your love

is barely sweet

my spirits lift

as I sort out your smell

but your sheets have been washed

cleansed

of all the times where I slept

so I dry myself off

and make your bed.

(Shaleen works as an activist on gay rights in New Delhi, India. When he is (also when he is not) traveling down fabulous Indian village roads, he takes pictures, draws and writes poetry. The Bling Diary is a queer poetry and art column updated whenever it’s time to run down the street with sparklers)