Dr Jaydeep Sarangi, a critic and bilingual poet, is the Head of the Department of English, Seva Bharati Mahavidyalaya, Vidyasagar University, W. B., India. He is the author of a number of significant publications on postcolonial issues, Indian Writing in English, Australian Literature, and Linguistics and ELT in reputed magazines in India and abroad. He edits two research journals including the Seva Bharati Journal of English Studies, and has been taken on the editorial board of Pegasus (Agra), The Okigbo Review (Nigeria), Prosopisia (Ajmer), Indian Journal of World Literature and Culture (Bhubaneswar), Unheard Melody (Chapra), and Reflections (Tezu). A collection of his short stories is now in the press.

9. Truth

A dusk of lived thoughts

makes me feel the wind,

worries wreck me to shake.

Old stories whisper in

bare winter trees.

Beyond, in the field,

a man droops in weariness,

strange birds fly.

Pain kisses my wooden flute,

tears moisten my night pillow.

Dark shade hides into

its shabby nest.

The child holds the oil lamp

through the open door.

I watch her out of the darkness.

Here she goes with a rose in her hand.

10. United We Stand

Whenever you need a pair of hands

I am there to give you my hands.

When your world become a chaos,

You know I understand.

If you ever want advice,

I am there to listen, to help.

You want someone to stand by you,

I can never leave you by yourself.

Whenever you need to cry

You find comfort inside my arms.

When all your fears catch up with you,

I keep you safe away from harm.

When you have nowhere to go to

I am a refugee at your side.

Whenever tears escape your eyes,

I am there to keep them dry.

If you just want someone to listen,

I lead you my faithful ear.

Any secret that you paste in my heart

I keep them dear.

When all leave your side,

I am there to stand by you.

When you are alone and fearful

My good wishes will whisper help you through.

If you ever feel betrayed

I stay with you to mend your heart.

If you are weak and cannot rise,

I can never let you fall apart.

I was there for you

Each and every single time.

I have always been your friend,

And will be, sure, a promise for all time.