Karnataka Night

Walking at night bathed in the non-light Of the New Moon, artificial street lights Marked safe passage along dusty streets To the central square fountain, half-way home To the bungalow’s comfort, mosquito Net shelter of repose. Suddenly, the Witching hour descended and the lights Were cut off. Blackness like the iron-rich Pottery, Bidar-ware, absorbed us Absurdly stumbling. But again, soft Filigree, like inlaid silver shining Soft-glow, whisper-like illumination Made plain every step. God’s Heavenly Host star-kiss’d us home to safe slumber.