In the city of sin the dizzy wheel spun <br />twirling glittering talons of light. <br />He closed his burning eyes, <br />raw lids squeezed out the tears <br />and in the hot, pale glow within <br />appeared the faces of those he loved. <br /> <br />The smooth deck spilled, splashing blood, <br />toppling the pile of white chips. <br />In the polished surface beneath he saw <br />strangers stripping his palaces, <br />strangers driving his chariots, <br />strangers sifting the leftovers. <br /> <br />The cunning wheel stopped <br />the crimson knave laughed <br />and in the distance slowly, <br />the gathering scavengers stirred. <br /> <br />'Don weeds, precious ones <br />huddle up for a long journey; <br />the dice are loaded. <br />See! see! the spotted ivory winks!' <br /> <br />[From The Used Book]<br /><br />Makarand Paranjape<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/dharmaraj/
