* sparrows at work on the skylight * laptops sending handshakes from kitchen table * edges of dawn.. goodbyes litter sidewalks * internet dooms day scrolling in lockdown     Gopal Lahiri is a Kolkata- based bilingual poet, critic,...

    * the tattered scarecrow: a raven perches on its shoulder * fireflies . . . sparks from a hammer on the anvil * spring dust sparrows squabble in the forenoon * a dry leaf on the ground . . . a death’s head moth * a silent gong inside the pagoda . . ....

      Hooking Up Civilization writ large shouts “all roads lead to Rome.” Civilization writ small builds the roads. The paper clip’s one of the latter, a civilizational bit player that resembles all the other clips swimming in the jar. Its...