Too busy to think about myself I used to stand br From morning till evening, sentry, br Between sleeplessness and armed excursions, br Where it was too hot during the day- time, br But when enough green and youth and keen eyes br And something inborn was there to keep br Me a dreamer nearly happy. br br The sun had just mounted to burn out the day br When you in stripes and colours and agile beauty br Caught me in your tiny curious eyes. There was br A twitch and a flash of the tail and a shrill cry: br Was it a spoof, warning or squirrel regard? br br What speed, twinkle, your brown-gray hair in flight, br I in regimentals- a prisoner of existence. br Days passed: When I stood still and solemn br It seemed at least for once our differences vanished br And you alighted my right boot, found your way up, br The rawness of the tickle slowly turning br Into sweet torment and near my belt line br Your paw permeating into my raw flesh, br Infusion of agony and ease! br br What startled you who ran down your hesitant run? br Did I yell, shriek in throbbing ecstasy? br You waited a second near my knee br To watch my looks and took leave for ever br To stir memory and desire in vacant hours.br br Raveendran N.V.