Short tribute to Stendhal

1
When
Stendhal started to rummage
Through his 19th century memoirs
The dust made him sneeze


2
He wanted to read Goethe
To her
She wanted to dip Parle biscuits
In a cup of tea


3.
In the East Khasi Hills
They record rainfall in metres
He said to himself
And wet his Italian sandals
In a dirty puddle



4.
He picked up a new book to read
With eagerness
But was too tired to turn the pages


5.
Brutalised in love
She kissed him
Hoping he wouldn't reciprocate


6.
She walked into the showroom
Sought a perfume
That had the fragrance of the first rice cultivation

He walked into the showroom
Sought a perfume
That could prevent him from falling to the ground


7.
When he saw her emerge
From The Madonna's Shrine
His syphilis made him dizzy
Some say: It was love at first sight


8.
When she learnt
Stendhal had died of seizure
On the streets of Paris
She smiled her tragic smile
And recalled how he preferred dictating his final book to her
Instead of consummation


9.
The happy few ...
Who are they ...