Kochi in Seven Micropoems: Jhilam Chattaraj Captures the Soul of the Coastal City

Jhilam Chattaraj, a poet rooted in the city, brings Kochi to life through seven micropoems (2.4.6.8.2). Each verse captures the coastal charm, weaving together places, spaces, art, and  local flavours.

I

Streets slip

into rivers —

fishnets whisper sea-myths —

snow-fluffed Egrets wade through mangroves —

Kochi.

II

Church bells —

double-chinned skies—

wood, piled—pillars—painted—

ochre walls, soft serpentine routes—

Jew Town.

III

Art lanes —

blooming lovers —

sweet, sun-laced escapades —

we unload our heart’s hot cargo —

red walls.

IV

White masks

float in stitched air —

faces question faces —

threads unloosen cerebral storms —

churning.

IV

Sculpture —

hands birth feelings —

wood-bodied peels — boiling —

pilgrims question man’s grotesque fate  —

art’s truth.

VI

Red funk

charms probing eyes —

asphalt lips cross cultures —

biennale’s benediction —

footprints.

VII

Beef fry

claims coastal air—

I wait for warm appams.

Hunger defeats godly bellies —

Kochi.