Vikram Seth CBE
(/ˈsɛθ/; born June 20, 1952) is an Indian novelist and poet. He has written several novels and poetry books. He has received several awards including Padma Shri, Sahitya Akademi Award, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, WH Smith Literary Award and Crossword Book Award. Seth's collections of poetrysuch as Mappings and Beastly Tales are notable contributions to the Indian English language poetry canon.
Vikram Seth, 2001
Drinking Alone with the Moon
A pot of wine among the flowers.
I drink alone, no friend with me.
I raise my cup to invite the moon.
He and my shadow and I make three.
The moon does not know how to drink;
My shadow mimes my capering;
But I'll make merry with them both-
And soon enough it will be Spring.
I sing-the moon moves to and fro.
I dance-my shadow leaps and sways.
Still sober, we exchange our joys.
Drunk-and we'll go our separate ways.
Let's pledge-beyond human ties-to be friends,
And meet where the Silver River ends.