In verse

Nocturnal activity

After I switch off the lights,

cockroaches

crawl out of closets.

They waltz on walls

as flashbacks

choke my conscience.

For insects, various

repellents

are available.

But is there a pesticide

for the past?

— SANJEEV SETHI

Kites on the Gaza Beach

One night the tide went out

and never came back in

– (from “The Sea” by Esther Morgan)

He will no longer fly kites on the Gaza beach.

His body a vast oasis of broken glass.

She is on her knees, thirsty,

picking up the shards.

My son will no longer fly kites

on the Gaza beach. The tide’s gone out

perhaps never to return.

— K. SRILATA