Masked Tenderness
He toils in dirt on a scorching summer day
a simple man yearning to earn a fruitful pay.
Scars from spades failed to diminish his hopes
in zealous manner, he climbs along rocky slopes.
His seeds of exuberance simmer in parched land
he wishes to save a few pennies for a red band.
The joy on his beloved's face would be a reward
his sweat-soaked wishes more than he could afford.
At twilight he receives earnings of his trades
his previous savings add to cheerful cascades.
A new red band for his beloved's silky tresses
he'd want to stroke her hair in warm caresses.
Her love in sprinkles of blooming lilac pearls
holds his shivering courage in soothing curls.
A whispering solace in mighty oceans of life
melts pain into dripping embrace in heavy strife.
The world has always known him for his stern shades
healing tenderness remains masked beyond dark charades.
July 20, 2020
10-20 lines on MASK Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Mohan Chutani
~Premiere Contest Winner: 1st Place
Copyright © Aditi Mishra | Year Posted 2020
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