lately

my pieces seem distant
squares stand vacant
i am no longer किंग.

endless thoughts stream
but moves seem unshakable
in their familiar पैटर्न

where has it गोने.
where have you गोने
a board without its queen.

my rooks stare into distance
like lonely stones
monoliths guarding my मंद.

bishops keep within these walls
knights have gone in hiding
even my pawns have lost their lustre.

lately, winter has incubated joy
and stored it far away,
summer's dreams haunt by day.