Breaking the protocols, I enter this privileged world,
Uninvited, and resolve to hang in here, just like
A famous madman who had adopted a godless religion
And filled the white pages with sacred profanities.
My condition is diagnosed as unreasonableness,
And they prescribe a heavy dose of practicality;
bitter pills, meant for midlife menopause. I protest,
But I am pregnant with twins- a passion and a purpose.
The experts try their best to suppress laughter,
They say, it’s an illusion but there’s a cure. Trust us.
I nod, though in fake assent and continue writing,
Just like the madman, who is my inspiration.
Debasis Tripathy lives in Bangalore. His recent work features in Mad Swirl, Rogue Agent, Vayavya, Leon Lit, Mantle Poetry, Eunoia Review & elsewhere. Occasionally, he tweets at @d_basis