Ganga-Jal

Makarand got me Ganga-jal
from Rishikesh:
After a quarrel I returned it

Today Makarand's life in Hyderabad ended
With a mat, a pillow, a linen basket
He left Ganga-jal for me.

I swiped it.

At the three-star coffeeshop
Srinu stands reverently
with the Ganga-jal in his hands

I see his hotel-steward uniform
against which the small sealed copper-pot stands

I feel tears come to my eyes
Seeing India changed and unchanging

My Hindu neighbour, a sociologist
Says: Ganga-jal is given just before death --

I hope it is the death of the burning ego
for me (and Srinu) in our friendship.