THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.
All the colors of this universe
swirl about me
like every emotion in my heart
This lively world surrounds my being,
like a vibrant reminder,
that it all will be here
long after my brief stay is over.
And I am gone or will it?
The sun, once radiant, now peeks
through a canopy of fresh green leaves.
A blushing bride veiled in morning’s tender light,
grinning at all.
The birds' nests, masterpieces hanging and swaying
on the lofty coconut tree like Christmas ornaments.
The fallen leaves on the ground gaze upwards with nostalgia
Admiring the fully grown plant above,
like proud ancestors from the heavens
The rain reminds me of my mother,
pouring life into the whole world.
The wind, orchestrating a magical dance,
yet its tune now carries a mournful melody of change
Every inch of nature that brings back memories of life,
seems to be fading out.
The once-fresh leaves seem to be out of color
on the branchless tree, resembling a slowly dying heart.
Those marvy nests were crushed under the very things
the birds had named their home.
The leaves on the ground no longer have anyone to look up to.
The very rain that poured life looks like it is trying to sink everything.
Is it my mother I am supposed to blame for causing that
or my fellow siblings for being the mere cause of all destruction?
Unsmoked air I once used to breathe without having to pay a penny,
now in those ridiculously looking cylinders for how much?
Comes at a price.
That sweet water I used to drink right from my mother
is now imprisoned in those wickedly smiling beasts
that even when thrown, stay right there,
ending lives that aren’t even born.
The very home of my nameless friends,
where they were nurtured and spent their time,
transformed into a memory, themselves included.
A LITERAL GRAVEYARD! With not even a hint of their graves mourn upon.
How will I be remembered if even my mother is not recognized?
After all, she’s a mother and she has given life to all.
But now smoldering ruins have taken her place
Once healthy and growing now is lost to decay and death