theres always that 5 seconds before an accident
when everything slows and you
cant feel anything but a sinking feeling as you
watch mirrors collide and shatter

its the same thing when i see a pair of baby shoes in my store room
that five just five never six never four
seconds
it is enough for something to crumble inside me
i know that i am on the verge of a reckoning

it happens again when i am locked out of my own house
i plead that its just ten minutes
but zeus never listens
leaving me to wallow in
guilt and anger
i just end up yelling at my reflection

its not even five months later when i see
more baby clothing
even a crib
right in place of my old bed
now i know why hera had been so insistent that i take my mirror somewhere else

and for once i obey without question
she places lead in my limbs and
shackles on my ankles
i am told that i need to make a sacrifice to the gods
they want my future
and refuses to hear my pleas or give anything in return
the five seconds happen again when i feel the rush of relief to find that im not dead
but since when have i thought that being alive was better than deliverance ?

The new Ugadi brings in many a dream
But this year it is the time for electioneering team
Instead of the tender mango buds and the melodious song
Man political campaigners do throng
We hear the opportunistic , affectionate political call
Despite hiding their possible fall
Not heeding to the election code
Money flows on the busy road
For every precious vote
There is at least a thousand Rupees note
Wine one can drink
Until one does sink
We offer corruption as diet for Mother Goddess without shame
We have become a part of this vicious game
For votes and seats Andhra Pradesh has met with unilateral division
The Italian and the saffron aunt have the devilish unison
In fact, ther is no scope for any party to get our vote
But in democracy not to vote is like cutting our own throat
As long as breadth is there, there will be life
As long as life is there , there will be hope and strife
I hope this new year Jaya usher in many a success to the common man
The youth shall have creativity, social justice and bright future, for which I yearn