Vijay Pandit Poet Free verse

So Much About Living She Has Learned Since

Grit in her eyes beaming fortitude of vibes
Powers her dash from one end to the other
Handing out drinks: brandy, whiskey, beer;
Serving high rollers and surly poor-souls
Where lights are flashing as machines jingle
When luck adjudicates winners and losers.

Watch her essence of fiery determination
Fueling her steps, gathering her strength,
As she churns numbers quickly in her head:
Grocery, rent, money for mother’s meds;
And some she’ll spare for her father today.

Hurriedly she sprints when her shift ends
Examining faces torn by ills, unwell, hapless
Under the bridge, by the train station,
Recalling childhood’s happier days within
Sound of his soft voice, calling her princess.

Abruptly she freezes, recollecting the scene,
Standing like a milestone on edge of the street,
Lips quivering, eyes tearing, pausing to forgive him
For abandoning them in a reckless charade
When suddenly a child became a parent…

So much about living she has learned since,
But not much about how to bury the dead.

May 11, 2020
HM: Brian's Select 8 Contest

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John Hamilton June 7, 2020 at 8:52 AM This is one of your best Vijay, I relate to that child, some people as you say have no choice but to grow up quick, children being a parent to their parents is sad indeed. Very touching write, a fave for me! Vijay Pandit June 7, 2020 at 10:03 AM So very kind of you John--much appreciate your kind feedback--many thanks. And a very special thanks you for the FAVE--quite special coming from you.

Jennifer Proxenos May 13, 2020 at 1:49 PM This is a beauty dear Vijay - a superb write - gripped by the story from start to finish - you poetically and beautifully describe her and how much she has learnt from life and then 'The end". Brilliant Vijay. Blessings, Jennifer. Vijay Pandit May 14, 2020 at 10:59 AM Much appreciate Jennifer--many thanks.

Brandy Nicole May 12, 2020 at 10:25 PM I wish this wasn't so, but in truth- this happens more than it should. "So much about living she has learned since" So sad. Your thoughts caress gently around me. This tugs deeply at my heart. ~ Brandy Vijay Pandit May 13, 2020 at 6:17 AM You are right--this happens more that we know. Much appreciate my friend--many thanks.

Nette Onclaud May 12, 2020 at 8:29 PM a story with much substance and an ending which is disturbing...brilliant, vijay!..huggs Vijay Pandit May 13, 2020 at 6:16 AM Much appreciate, Nette--many thanks.

Timothy Hicks May 12, 2020 at 12:25 PM This is deep and heartfelt with a stark ending. So many I know find themselves in this situation ... I feel so fortunate to have grown up with both parents. You pulled your reader in from start to finish. Vijay Pandit May 12, 2020 at 4:20 PM You are right, her situation is not that uncommon. She rises to the occasion with gusto. Much appreciate Tim--many thanks.

Jenish Somadas May 12, 2020 at 4:07 AM So much about living she has learned since, But not much about how to bury the dead..You made a wonderful climax..Great write Vijay.. Vijay Pandit May 12, 2020 at 4:19 PM So very kind of you, Jenish. Much appreciate--many thanks.

Lawrence Sharp May 12, 2020 at 4:06 AM Excellent story-telling, but, more than just that, a very heartfelt expression of your heroine's hardship and despair. Fave. Vijay Pandit May 12, 2020 at 4:18 PM That is so very kind of you my friend. Hope to read your poetry soon. Much appreciate, Lawrence--many thanks. And a very special thank you for the FAVE.

Andrea Dietrich May 11, 2020 at 8:28 PM wow, vijay, this is amazing. The way you portrayed her and then that ending!! FAVE Vijay Pandit May 12, 2020 at 4:17 PM So nice to hear that from someone of your talents and stature, Andrea. Much appreciate..many thanks. And a very special thank you for the FAVE.

Janice Canerdy May 11, 2020 at 6:27 PM This is a poignant, heart-wrenching decription of a hard life of sacrifices and some painful memories, Vijay! Janice Vijay Pandit May 12, 2020 at 4:15 PM More that a normal share of grief for her at an young age. Much appreciate, Janice..many thanks.

Mystic Rose Rose May 11, 2020 at 11:55 AM She sounds like a very strong woman to me, well written dear poet, xo Vijay Pandit May 12, 2020 at 4:13 PM She is very strong, indeed! Much appreciate my friend. Many thanks.

Arturo Michael May 11, 2020 at 11:27 AM Nice one...Life's not easy... Vijay Pandit May 12, 2020 at 4:12 PM So true--never easy. Much appreciate Arturo. Many thanks.

Tom Cunningham May 11, 2020 at 11:16 AM A sad situation that many find themselves in, many suddenly have to fill the roll of an adult forsaking their childhood. Powerful verse Vijay, well written. Tom Vijay Pandit May 12, 2020 at 4:12 PM Not an uncommon occurrence sadly. Much appreciate Tom. Many thanks.