‘I hate you; I hate you all,’
Was all I uttered before the fall.
Barging out of home,
Hiding in my secret cove
I hadn’t for a moment thought -
This wouldn’t be my forever home.
Silence before the storm it was.
My heart shuddered,
As the loud machines and gunshots echoed.
Little courage I had mustered,
To carry my quivering feet home,
Only to witness the collapsed rubbles.
Shattered windows, flaming woods,
Crinkles of crushed glasses under my feet,
Countless footsteps scurrying for shelter,
Myriad cries of pain, anguish and fear,
Echoed in the distant part of my mind
As my numb heart searched my mom.
A hug from mom I ached,
A smile from dad I yearned,
Harmless fight with brother I desired,
Alas! Comfort and safety had perished,
Fright and pain had taken roots
Stronger and firmer than ever.
Severed arms and legs,
****** bodies lying around dead,
Eyes aghast under the snapped walls,
Loving mom, teasing brother, caring dad,
Lay lifeless together,
Yet alone, without me.
If only I hadn’t angrily bashed out,
If only I had brushed off the annoying remarks,
I’d be with them, happily lifeless.
Amidst the raging fire and hate,
I now stand aloof, alive but dead
Wishing all these to be a dream.
Shot after shot was fired merciless
Bomb after bomb was dropped aimless
Burning away the innocent smiles
Taking away the harmless lives
A home once peaceful and merry
Was no longer a home but a cemetery.
- Niveditha Preeth
Dec 16, 2023
Dec 16, 2023 at 1:10 AM UTC