Itihaas-1

Vipralabdha- The Lovelorn

The flames have died out
Only the ashes remain-
the moon has set
there is no melody,only noise
the magic, the effulgence, the ecstasy
all a thing of the past
just a few beads
in the broken string of memories...


The flowers have wilted
No fragrance
Just a whiff of stench lingers
Yesterday in my heart
There was mirth and joy
Today fear, silence, sorrow reigns

My mind once a temple
An idol was worshipped
Offerings made
Today in ruins
Idol remains
Offerings still made
Alas-prayers remain unfulfilled
No fruits received

The mirror of my mind
Once dazzled in your love
Alas! All that was yesterday
Today, on it has collected
The dust of Estrangement
The reflections are
Dim, misty, grotesque-

Tell me, who was it
That held in her tresses
Time a prisoner
Was that I?
Tell me who was it
That bade Nature
To stand awaiting at her door
Was that I?
Tell me, my Kanu,
Was that really me
Who as I lay in your arms
Was Light, Power and Magic
You left-like the arrow
I remain like the empty quiver
Shuddering in rebound
Today what is left of me
Just me, my body, and my memories-

I remain trapped in the past
Hostage to memories
Of your embrace
My tresses that held Time captive
Alas! The very same snake shackles
Today imprison me-

Now, just me, my body
My Life-a Daze?
Like a cinder hidden among ashes
Like the last drop
In an empty vessel-
Like a mournful croon-
rising in having gained and then lost