Her Sweet Elegy

Written as part of NaPoWriMo 2013

A univocalic poem using only the vowel ‘e’. It was a lot of hard work! Hope you like it.

When she went, the sky wept.
The breeze blew by the speckled red,
Drenched by sweet effervescence.
Elsewhere the restless creek bled.
Clergymen blessed her where she slept;
Fresh greens sheltered her velvet bed.

Yet he knew she deserved better.
Swept by her spell, her mystery,
He’d sketch her tender presence,
Preserve her perfect symmetry,
Keep every vehement letter
She’d penned, brewed by her energy.

Regret rendered by the empty
Pledge they’ll never keep.
Never free, he lets verses
Remember her. The rhymes weep
Dewy jewels when they
Endlessly wed whenever they sleep.

Before You Go

Written as part of NaPoWriMo Challenge 2013

If you must take the radiance with you, please
Be kind enough to leave a candle. Don’t
Let the darkness take me when you go.

If this is all you ever want then go
Ahead with all your plans and may it please
Your heart. If this be your desire don’t

Take heed the voice that tells you that you don’t
Have what it takes for I believe you’ll go
Much farther than you think you will. But please –

If I may say my will then…please don’t go.

Cycle of Change

Written as part of NaPoWriMo Challenge 2013

The whole world sees she gives her life her all
Though every fibre of her heart still will
Stay hopeful that the universe won’t change.

But we know mountains shatter, rivers change
At every bend and trees that lived through all
Must crumble at the twists of Nature’s will.

As dust and grains of sand reform, she will
Collect the pains and wonders of each change,
And tell this ancient tale to one and all:

‘The cycle’s set. Don’t you see? All will change.’

Reincarnation

Written as part of NaPoWriMo Challenge 2013

Because I believe we’ve met before. And we’ll meet again.

The body is a vessel for the soul.
Embrace the sleep; wake as a child
And watch the world as centuries roll.
The body is a vessel for the soul
So fear no more of growing old;
We’ll meet again – now rest a while.
The body is a vessel for the soul.
Embrace the sleep; wake as a child

Hello Grandma

Written as part of NaPoWriMo Challenge 2013

Triolet

Pray tell me, what’s your name again?
How nice! My grandchild’s called the same!
That infant loves to entertain…
Pray tell me, what’s your name again?
You’re such a dear to still remain
And join me in this parlour game.
Pray tell me, what’s your name again?
How nice! My grandchild’s called the same!

Que Sera, Sera

Written as part of NaPoWriMo Challenge 2013

I didn’t realise it when the song popped into my head two days ago and led me to start writing this but it was Doris Day’s birthday on 3rd April. Coincidence, much? Now since it’s her birthday month (granted had I realised the curiousity of this revelation then, I would have finished this poem first. Still, bear with me…) I thought I’d share my translation of a beautiful song that lived through the years. 

Villanelle

Everything will work out as they should.
Some happen too soon. Some take too long.
A change for the better. A change for good.

I’d rather you not worry. If you could,
I’d rather you sing another happy song.
Everything will work out as they should

For once you’ve crossed the threshold into adulthood,
You’ll find ways to stand out yet belong.
You’ll change for the better. And change for good.

Your hopes and dreams, your love all would
Converge one day and come along.
Everything will work out as they should

And if they don’t take shape just yet, they could
Be trials in life to make you bold and strong:
Changing for the better; changing for good.

If you could see the world from where I’m stood.
You’d trust me when I say nothing will go wrong.
Everything will work out as they should –
I’ve changed for the better. I’ve changed for good.

The Man Who Saw

WRITTEN AS PART OF NAPOWRIMO CHALLENGE 2013

This man, I swore,
Was everywhere
But Mama told me
No one was there.

I first saw him
When I was three.
He took a man
Then waved at me.

Appeared again
When I was four.
He took a girl
And left once more.

He never spoke
Though I could tell
The man in dark suit
Knew me well.

At five when Papa
left for war
I swore he showed up
More and more.

Still Mama told me
No one was there
Although I saw him
Everywhere.

He did not smile
When doing rounds
He took the lot
On hospital grounds.

At times I thought
The man seemed sad.
Suppose he thought his
Trade too bad?

At six an officer
Came by –
Spoke sombre words.
Made Mama cry.

And I knew what
The man had done,
He’d taken them all
One by one.

And one by one
The man will take.
He made them sleep
And never wake.

So everyday
All through my life,
I knew all moments
Were rare and rife.

And though I saw him
Everywhere
I told my Mama
No one was there.

One day he stole her –
Won’t let me follow.
Left me alone
To soothe my sorrow.

The man would always
Have his way.
My love gave life;
He took away.

I couldn’t blame him.
(Perhaps I should)
I knew he wouldn’t
If he could.

He never touched
My other three.
At least I had
A family.

He visits grew shorter
And no longer grim.
I knew I would wait
Long for him.

He came when I was
Old and wan.
Said ‘Hi’ and we
Left hand in hand.