Interrogation of a Muslim
           (after a Line by Sridala Swami)

I think of palaces in Junagadh
gargoyles affixed
to drainpipes in monsoons.

He is in khaki
Brits coined the word from ‘ash’
a tilak long as a walking stick
bleeds on his forehead.
Prisoner squatting on the floor, thinks
his mouth is a gargoyle.

I am not interested
in your crimes against the state—
all that is recorded in discs, phone taps
and our extractions from  mobile phones.

I want your confession
on the crimes you thought
of committing.

Keki N. Daruwalla is a poet, short story writer and former IPS officer.

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