We set out to heal
The still smouldering forest
Not a bird in sight

An empty sky
Above
The sparrow’s flight path

No one knows how
To gather the bones, scattered
On the ash-covered landless land
Stretching to the far horizon

Yet
What else can we do now
When an alien people
Celebrate and dance
Mocking our flowing tears
As we pour out the healing milk?

There is nothing new
To quench the heart’s fire

No witness
To the drop of blood
Not yet dry

There is neither sea nor wind
For us to dissolve the ashes
Proclaim an end
And close our eyes.
When will there be
A jungle-healing?

Jungle Healing
by Cheran Rudhramoorthy