The morning air felt still
As if it carries the weight
Of another magenta night
Men crossing borders restless
Leaving behind the city lights
And little packets of memories
Strewn across echoing hallways
Holding scraps close to the chest
Passports, IDs, cards, and such
For what else are we but barcodes
In this unruly, ravaged world!
Inhale the fragrance
Of spring in abundance
An extravaganza of blooms
Poppies, tulips, and lilies
Invading coarse sidewalks
Boughs are laden with
The promise of fruits
Casting spells of hope
On a talisman of petals
Gently pulsating with life
On the edges, jagged
Of a broken mirror
In reflected multi-facets
I can now see
How a little breaking
Reveals more of what’s
Hidden in me!
I tripped over my dreams
Sprawling on the rug
As I stepped out of bed
Unrested, nursing anxiety
From visions splattered
Across the dark walls;
Clouding my head
As I struggle to remember
Nights of sweet slumber
When the dreams were pretty;
Now, they lie gasping
For breath, to remain alive
As our world turns into
A living nightmare!
Well, it’s done now;
Carrying all the burdens
Of the world on lean shoulders
Has finally bent my back
The weight of anxious thoughts
Presses against my chest
A weakened heart throbs
Tries to pick up lost beats
As cold perspiration beads
Glisten on a furrowed forehead
It seems I have played my part
Of being born a human
Destined to bear witness
To a dead Earth, a decaying mess!
Blue Pen Strokes 