(Ashram, India, 23rd November 2025)
Despite my protests, the devotee
pushes me to the front of the queue
to meet the guru.
The guru understands all languages
and thus transcends them
by saying nothing.
She’s an elderly woman,
Tired face shielded by a mask
and some spectacles.
She gives me a mini Twix and Bounty.
I say, “Hello I’m Malcolm from England.
Thanks for the sweets nice to meet you.”
What I’ve met is a bored Santa
just before his shift ends
and the grotto closes.
Then I have to walk backwards
To a courtyard where a helper
Ladles fruit salad into my open palm.
After that I feel dirty, but at least
I haven’t stained the ashram’s sanctity
with forbidden menstruation.
.
Malcolm Paul
with Michel Faber
.