Once a lifetime comes death

Never leaves you with life-giving breath

Perhaps you know not what the living-dead is

For death came twice – yet gave me a miss

 

Oh were I to recount the scars it left me

The very first time when it crept (up) on me

It left me a fate worse than mortality

It cursed me with existence – a banality

 

I picked up those pieces broken and cutting

The wound within not healing but hurting

And time stopped by but to no avail

Even those around me heard not my wail

 

I had to live – I was destiny’s pawn

Between my soul and heart was I torn

Tears unseen my parched throat did swallow

In the darkness of shadows a niche I hollowed

 

And many moons did see me pass

I was alone, until one day, alas

Truth mocked reality and SHE happened to be

A soothing balm - banishing my misery

 

A whirl is what my life became

Where and when and how she came

And by the time I did realize

It was time for more goodbyes

 

The second death softly coming

The mourning choir quietly humming

Ere my elation could I abate

She walked out the open gate

 

I know – I took not her permission to enter

So I did not stop her to leave

God’s humour is destiny’s mentor

What myriad webs we weave

 

The evening into twilight turned

The crimson sun no longer burned

The moon came out with half a smile

Why does happiness just last a while

 

This time there are no (broken) pieces to pick

A lifetime won’t heal so why be quick

The oceans (shall) dry and stars burn (out)

I am going to smile – why show the world my pout

 

To laugh and shout with abandon glee

Let fate’s quirk remain a mystery

Don on the battered mask again

Show not those tears – they are in vain

 

Nature’s walk is in the garden within

Where no one hears your cries, there is no din

For in there lies your real, true universe

It leaves you not – for better or worse

 

And long stood I at the gate (after) she left

Loneliness dogged me so I was not of emotions bereft

But I smiled and hugged me from deep inside

For I saw her (similar) mask too which she tried to hide

 

p.s.

 

Is it death denied or life deprived – does it matter

Souls can hurt – but they never shatter

Am grateful for the moments that were

Life is beautiful – not a cur

 

~Vikram C~