My soles press soft
into sidewalks. I leave
a trail of graphite steps
They etch out my first sentence—
a diary in crayon, a novel in margins
Time sharpens the graphite steps
I stroll through my city growing younger
White tiles paved over the dirt path I loved
but look: beneath the cracks, faintly traced,
ghosts of my graphite steps
Size 5 kneels where a bluebell once bloomed
Size 16 lingers at the turn when love grew bitter
Size 20 steps slow, the graphite darkens—
a crossroad still warm with roads unchosen
I walk my city, the mirages flicker
between streetlights and soft recollections
the wind stirs a hushed whisper...
my graphite steps lift into the air
Categories:
graphite, childhood, city, meaningful, memory,
Form: Free verse
When silence speaks
Nothing is heard.
Our breathe is a like a secret
Window, hotly working.
You squinting at a friend and
Trying not to giggle.
Or writing long exams in a room
With circling graphite,
Scantron sheet after scantron sheet.
Or in Mass,
The death knell of silliness,
Leave or lose your wind bag.
Or in your mind,
Be still your mind.
This is the fifteenth line.
Please be still your mind.
Categories:
graphite, peace,
Form: Free verse
The world says,” Mom is always beside”.
Oh mom! When I need you, where do you hide?
The world says, “Mom is a child’s best friend.”
Oh mom! Why, you couldn’t comprehend?
To my childhood, your presence was ecstatic.
But I miss a mom, who has never been emphatic.
I left the house, which I thought was mine!
Still had a trust, maybe you chose my affine.
Believing that the bond with you would stay entwine!
I was married, I was reborn,
Never imagined, still this life would be forlorn.
I looked back for your presence.
Still standing alone!
A new family!
Everyone belongs to you,
And you belong to none!
Though I had everything,
But your tender hand has forever gone!
Today, when I look at my wrinkled hand,
I realise how time slipped like sand.
Waiting for you has been a vain.
Still, I know! Someday, you will understand my pain.
Up there in the graphite,
I know you surely hide.
People there need you more,
It justifies, such a long reside!
Whenever, you shall need me.
Don't worry mom, I will be by your side!
Categories:
graphite, anger, bereavement, child, daughter,
Form: Rhyme
Graphite greys surround
The ancient in deathly stare
Horizon brings hope
A long forgotten orb peers
Through Nuclear fallout, she smiles
http://www.thehighlanderspoems.com/war-8.php
Categories:
graphite, hope, war
Form: Tanka