Tuesday, 13 March 2018

Looking Away

The glint on the odd symmetry of corrugated sheets
The jagged corners of the shanty town vying in the foreground 
Catches my eye
I adjust my gaze; pointedly on the
blue of the horizon

The uneven, grimy nails on the hands willing me to look down
Hardened by seasons of waiting for the clink of the coin 
Grabs at my throat
I veer away; pray for the light to turn green

The clefts in the open mouthed stare oblivious of my glance
Years of toil running down their face in wrinkles 
Staggers my breath
I inhale deep; tug at the grey in my hair

The craggy peaks on the paper rang a death knell
Seconds slipping through; parts of me dying within
Flailing in vain at my life breath

I meet my eye in the mirror; where do I look away now. 

-Anuradha Venkatnarayan 

2 comments:

Unknown said...

You made us all look inwards at our conscience Anu with your honest portrayal of our collective 'looking away'. Bravo!

@venues said...

I’m touched my honesty has found common ground Nirmalachechi