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Where do old birds go to die?

Krishna Hari is a class 12 student. She writes stunning poems which carry evocative images and provoking metaphors. As her English teacher, I am proud to feature one of her poems in this space. 

Krishna Hari
Krishna Hari


The old birds in my yard⠀
Fly away to distant lands⠀
For deceptive summer eves have come⠀
Yet again with their wild rains⠀
And malicious clouds.⠀
⠀
I sit on my balcony cross-legged⠀
Sipping warm whiskey⠀
Watching the sunset paint ⠀
The northern skies sepia.⠀
⠀
I hear the rustling leaves of the devil's trees⠀
Within the premises of that old temple by the lake⠀
Where women used to worship serpents and fairies once⠀
Collapsed into a rubble of stones with time.⠀
⠀
Eerie questions suck on the abysses
Under my skin like leeches⠀
And I feel as if I'm⠀
On the edge of an apocalypse.⠀
⠀
I ask, "Who makes leaves fall in autumn"?⠀
"Why were thorny roses prettier than tranquil jasmines"?⠀
"Where do old birds go to die ?⠀
Do they ever cry for their wrinkled destinies ?⠀
Do their tears fall off from their homes in the highs of heavenly trees ?⠀
Do their nestlings weep at their demises?"⠀
⠀
I heave a deep sigh into the cold air⠀
Close my eyes and see old birds going to die.⠀
And I tell myself⠀
'Maybe I'll mourn their death at my own grave.'

Comments

  1. magiceyeAugust 2, 2020 at 6:14 AM

    Beautiful, poignant and painting visual poetry

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sonia DograAugust 2, 2020 at 7:12 AM

    This is poignant and deep. My compliments to her.

    ReplyDelete
  3. VICTOR JOHNAugust 2, 2020 at 8:45 AM

    You made me think. I have never ever thought of this. Fantastic Krishna Hari and the inspiration behind you Tomichan.


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tomichan MatheikalAugust 2, 2020 at 9:06 AM

      I can't claim to be her inspiration, Victor. She is a poet in her own right. I just encourage her.

      Delete
    2. Mini shimmyAugust 2, 2020 at 12:41 PM

      The greatest reward a student can receive is the teachers who are proud of them.. U r a great & blessed Teacher �� congrats to her��

      Delete
  4. UnknownAugust 2, 2020 at 10:33 AM

    Wonderful poem👏👏

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownAugust 2, 2020 at 12:28 PM

    Beautiful poem, best wishes to her.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Deepa GopalAugust 2, 2020 at 1:20 PM

    The images it creates are beautiful and intense! Kudos to the young poet! Such a privilege to be featured by her teacher. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tomichan MatheikalAugust 2, 2020 at 6:02 PM

      I'm sure the young poet will be glad to know that this appreciation comes from an artist of considerable renown.

      Delete
    2. Deepa GopalAugust 10, 2020 at 1:33 AM

      Honored, Sir! I am yet to reach there but glad that bestow me with one! :)

      Delete
  7. M S MahawarSeptember 3, 2020 at 2:53 PM

    Very Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Nima DasSeptember 25, 2020 at 12:41 PM

    What a beautiful poem.

    ReplyDelete
  9. rupam sarmaOctober 12, 2020 at 12:50 PM

    Beautiful poem.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Aishwariya LaxmiDecember 27, 2020 at 6:05 PM

    Amazing poem!

    ReplyDelete

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