THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.
Seven drops of rain
land gently on my hand,
each one, I see,
has its own, unique beauty.
The first is so well groomed,
and perfectly round;
it looks like it’s seen the world
and travelled all around.
The second moves mischievously,
like a playful child,
naïve and trusting,
but carefree and wild.
The third sits quietly
on my palm,
perfectly still,
content and calm.
The fourth is simply lovely
to look upon,
to mesmerize the senses
it seems to have been born.
The fifth looks awkward
but also shows a quality rare,
for it shields the others
with great love and care.
Number six appears to be in a fix,
for it knows not what to do,
but as it finds its niche,
it surpasses the others too.
The last, clear like the purest stream,
though hollow and empty it does seem,
with the brilliance of every quality stands tall,
like the light of wisdom that resides in all.