I told everyone that I’d be fine -
They dynamited my golden years
And put the pieces in the trash -
But I said I would be OK.

I have resources and reserves
That paved the way
Past rocky highways in the past
And would suffice me once again.

I reassured the ones who wept
That this was not to be an ending -
That I had maps and GPS
To guide me to a safer haven.

But when I looked inside the box
Containing my bravado
There was a hug and a kindly word
And nothing else to help me.

Shocked at all that emptiness
The first thing that I did was cry
And gape into that hollow space
To wonder where the courage went.

But when I saw the others stare
I clamped the lid back on real tight
And glued a smile onto my face,
Picked up my box and strode away.

Now I’m hidden safe at home
Astonished at my disbelief
That years could warp away and melt
The fortitude I counted on.

That I should find myself alone
With nothing but a broken crutch
To help me cross the quicksand bog
And locate solid ground again.

How shall I navigate the mire?
My GPS and maps are gone.
Bravura’s just a memory.
I’m not the big girl after all,

There is no Mommie I can call
No friend to offer magic beans
This time I find myself alone
To see if I can find a way
To fill back up that empty box.
ljm

You can’t paint the Sistine Chapel with a roller
You can’t carve The Thinker with a jack hammer
You can’t write a symphony on a Kazoo
And you can’t dance Swan Lake on a trampoline

You can’t bake a cake if you have no oven
You can’t sew a gown with a knitting needle
You can’t build a house out of Lego Bricks
And you can’t win at Lotto without buying a ticket

Why do my eyes not notice the humming bird
Only that the nectar tube needs refilling
Why do I not glory in a field of orange poppies
Only struggle to walk without stepping on one

Why do I pass up small kudus when offered
So I can wallow some more in rejection
Why do I long so for the glow of acceptance
When I have no use for the face in the mirror

We all have to work with the gifts we are given
Talent is not something you can go out and buy
You can’t sigh your way into winning the race
And you can’t coerce people into your fan club

You have to dig deep if you want to find oil
You have to cast bait if you want the big fish
You have to believe that the war can be won
To put down your pen and ******* your sword
           ljm

A world where everyone waits their turn
And takes no more than their share
Does that make me a communist-
Call me that if you dare.
                   ljm

Remember you?
My love, I'd sooner  forget my name
Than lose the memory of you.

Remember you?
My heart has filled its empty places
With the Glory that is you.
To sunder that would leave me maimed.

Remember you?
Every beauty I behold while we're apart
Will be a recollection, love, of you.

Remember you?
Only til my life goes down to dust
Will I, my love, remember you.
                                 ljm

Deepest words embraced her heart.
Coldest dews tickled her eyes.
Bathed in fresh morning fragrance.
Sunrays blessed her for a day.

Evening seemed to be bit bitter.
For night seemed to be bit longer.
Night may vanish slowly but firmly.
“Is there another day to rise?”, she whispered

Maybe all the prayers she requires.
Perhaps the brightest soul
May have to depart just once.
Leaving all the flavors of life.
Leaving all the memories of life.
Let the tides settle her life further.
Unsure of boat may reach ashore!

© 2016 Geetha Jayakumar. All rights reserved.

Jazzy somber bend to blend
Somewhere beyond horizon
Undulating words wandering
Like nomads turning towards
Stirring path.
Voice was though rough and coarse
Seemed to be bewitching.
While music was too aloud like
Thundering.

Be calm and cool down for a while
Listen softly to the hymn of life
Cords may not break apart.
Loved ones will surely applaud.

Do not fall into the phantom of darkness,
Where there is no path of moving forward.
Keep singing till soul does not depart.
Keep singing even if the voice is good or not!

©2016 All rights reserved by GEETHA JAYAKUMAR.