Rajiv Mohabir
for Sudesh Mishra
Imagine the bluest electricity
of the coral sea. Dive headfirst from the bow,
your arms stretched out
before you in hallelujahs.
A mother and calf slap the surface
and you are caught
in the crossfire of calls;
all of your organs quiver.
Once you immerse yourself in unending strains
the tones will haunt you:
ghosts spouting sohars you’ve called
since childhood. They breach
and crescendo inside the vessels
of your brine. How you long
to touch and to be so touched
by the dark giants under your skin.
In the ink of night
long voices vibrate in your throat.
Open your mouth and spit.