Malabika Ray Choudhury Poet Persona

Notes About The Poem

October 12, 2025
"Before We Die" Premier Poetry Contest

Sponsor: Unseeking Seeker

Placed Seventh

 

When Death Approaches

Life is a a journey, a gift, a blessing, 
Most of our childhood and youth are memories of joys and 
pleasures accentuated with moments of sadness.
Ultimately greyness sets in,
Inescapable death approaches as an unwelcome guest,
Are we prepared for the eventuality,
Or we are in denial till the end.

When Death tiptoes in in a shroud of darkness, 
We are unaware of.
To leave the abode, the sanctuary we have lived for years,
Surrounded by valleys, and rivers, mountains and streams,
Towering trees, vermilion sky, emerald ocean.
Daily life meandering like a murmuring river to
Reach the sea, meditations and dreams lulled by
chimes from shrines, melody of cooing birds,
waves lapping incessantly on shores…
All and everything!

At the end of our path,
We consider and evaluate lendings and borrowings,
Each and every persona we had met in our journey
Left indelible marks on the experiences we had,
They have enriched our lives in countless ways of love, compassion 
And understanding.

Repaying those debts? Can anyone?
With gratitude, forgiveness, and grace
Being thankful acknowledging all with an obliged heart -
Thanking for the fresh air we breathe,
Thanking for the clean water we drink,
Thanking for the food which gets cultivated by unknown farmers.
For the kindness, affection, love bestowed unconditionally,
descending noiselessly like chartreuse fountains,
Above all thanking for who we are, how we lived our life,
What we have brought to our fellow human beings.

The cycle is complete 
By living a bountiful but humble life.

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Dr. Vandana Sharma October 17, 2025 at 9:12 PM Great, congratulations. Happy Diwali!! Malabika Ray Choudhury October 18, 2025 at 2:32 PM Thank you so much. Truly appreciate your comment.

Paula Goldsmith October 17, 2025 at 11:06 AM Congratulations on your win. "When Death Approaches" is an amazing write. What a true ending. Have a Blessed day with your win as you write away..................... Malabika Ray Choudhury October 18, 2025 at 2:31 PM Thank you, Dear Paula. Delighted to receive your inspiring words.

Valsa George October 17, 2025 at 2:04 AM Beautifully expressed. Many we meet in life leave indelible impressions in us and help us grow through their love, caring and understanding. We owe to them and let us repay our debts before we die. Congratulations Mala on your win. Malabika Ray Choudhury October 17, 2025 at 7:27 AM Dear Valsa, So grateful to find your wonderful comment. Thank you so much for such uplifting words. I often read your poems to find inspiration, and now looking forward to read yours for this contest. Huge Congratulations for the Trophy win. Your words are incredibly thoughtful, spiritual and profound. I am thankful to find such friends through our common passion. Love and warm wishes ~

Subimal Sinha-Roy October 16, 2025 at 10:55 PM Congratulations on your great win with a deep poem. Malabika Ray Choudhury October 17, 2025 at 7:21 AM Dear Subimal, Thank you so much for such uplifting words. Often I read your poems to find inspiration. Looking forward to read yours for this contest.

Anne-Lise Andresen October 12, 2025 at 6:31 AM - So much truth in your words, Mala ... life is not about avoiding the painful and difficult ... - A wonderful poem :) - Best wishes in the contest :) - hugs Malabika Ray Choudhury October 17, 2025 at 7:19 AM Dear Anne-Lise, Thank you so much for your inspiring words. I am not being very active at Soup, but sometimes a theme or two makes me hold my pen and start working on a poem. Feel grateful for being encouraged by my poet-friends.