Nalini Shetty
Monsoon Sheets
The first storm breaks just after midnight. The power cuts out, and the ceiling fan slows to a stop. I lie awake, counting the intervals between lightning and thunder. The smell of wet earth rushes in through the open window—sharp, metallic. Somewhere, a temple bell tolls, swallowed by the rain.
damp hair
sticking to my cheek
I untangle
last night’s quarrel
knot by knot
About the Author
A stay-at-home mom, Nalini Shetty discovered Japanese short forms in 2017 and quickly developed a deep passion for them. Her work, celebrated for its simplicity and emotional resonance, has been featured in respected haiku journals. She approaches each piece with instinct, blending minimalism and mood to create meaningful connections.