Debut

a poem by Mahendra

Here are no eleven members
   On either side
Here are no visible umpires
   Whom to abide

Only you and me are here
In the ground of Love flair!

Behind me, the three stumps
   Astonishment, Admiration and adoration!
The other end, you the bowler
   Beauty, sweaty and naughty!

The beauty bouncers are coming running
And rising into my eyes glittering blinding

I neither stretch for four
   Nor fetch for sixer
All I look at your speed and style
   I found my foot work derail

You — the only bowler
   Ever I face
You — the only fielder
   to whom I force

Catch the ball — which is coming into your hands
Finish this drill –lot more thrill awaits at bonds!