MY EASTER STORY (2012)

I was sitting by myself on the metro in the women's only coach on a long ride this morning heading to my sister-in-law's place for Easter lunch. I was thinking about what Easter meant to me this year since I had struggled so much with numerous thoughts, philosophies and questions about life, meaning, purpose and pretty much everything of importance under the sun. 

And then a young girl-child of maybe 3 or 4 years old caught my eye. She was accompanied by three women, of whom the youngest seemed definitely to be her mother. The women sat while the kid held on to one of the poles in the metro and went round and round it, beginning at a slow speed till suddenly she was almost flying around it. Every time she started making other passengers uncomfortable, her mother would grab her and hold her for a bit. There was nothing out-rightly cute about the child's face or attire and yet her expressions were so vivid and spoke volumes. Her head was clean shaven or buzzed and she wore a cap that overshadowed her eyes a little. Looking at the way the three women interacted with her, I knew that they loved her deeply. In fact, she seemed to know it too. This gave her the confidence to be carefree and move around the metro with ease and yet she didn't stray too far away from them. 

However, at one point, she insisted on climbing up on to the seat and while up there, began to make a bit of a nuisance of herself. Yes, the ride was long and the women had been patient but at that moment when the child almost seemed uncontrollable and spoilt, the mother grabbed her with a strong hand, set her down and shook her with a stern look of warning. Nothing was said. It all happened so quickly. I almost gasped with surprise. The child immediately edged away from her mother and the other two older seemingly kindhearted women and toward the pole at the center of the coach. She pulled her cap down to cover her eyes completely and cried softly. I saw tears run down her determined cheeks. Her pain at being reprimanded was extremely obvious to all but she didn't want her mother, the other two women and the rest of us riding along to know how much it hurt. 

All of us kept our eyes glued to her face with an occasional glance at each other. We tried to bend and peep into that little teary face but she didn't meet our eyes. When our hands reached out to touch her, she shied away. It was then that I lifted my eyes to observe the young mother who had tried to discipline her and saw that she didn't take her eyes of her little girl. The mother, however, didn't move and instead allowed her to cry, softly as she was. Eventually, the child began wiping her tears and then the cap was pushed up a little bit by one tiny hand, and the eye lids lifted allowing her to look around at all our staring faces till she reached her mother's face. Then her mother smiled a little. The child grimaced. The mother's smile widened and the child's feet shuffled. The mother finally reached out her hand and beckoned to her daughter to come to her. The little one hesitated for a moment and then moved quietly towards her mother. She touched the extended hand, then clung on to it and slowly laid her head to rest on her lap. The mother kissed the child and wrapped her arms around her. 

The rest of us heaved a sigh of relief almost in unison and smiled at each other. I felt tears stinging somewhere at the back of my eyelids. In a moment or so our train pulled into a station and the three women plus the little shaven-head girl with a dress and her wee cap got up to leave. I managed to gently pat the child as she happily de-boarded from the train. I saw a complete story of love, disobedience, punishment, pain and reconciliation unravel before my eyes. It reminded me of the larger-than-life story of humanity. It also reminded me of the story of Easter. 'Reconciliation' was the word that arose and took it's place in me.

FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU (Lyrics to a Song yet to be Composed)

The first time I saw you 

I stood at a window corner

Watching you play with the neighbor's kid

You may not remember

Wiping the tears from his angry eye lid

And now,                            

Together with you mile after mile

You catch my heart with the laugh in your eyes

I'm caught up in your sweet, sweet smile

You take my breath with the song in your sighs

And I'm falling

I'm falling in love with you

You turned your face towards me

I stared like I’d seen an angel

The gentle sun shone down with quiet grace

How could I Forget

That I’d felt my heart hang in space

And now,

We've got us till forever, baby

This life we hold so dear

Take my hand, hold me tight, and maybe

As I show you the world, never fear

Cos' I'm falling

I'm falling in love with you

Till the last time I see you

For as long as I hold you

Let me be falling

Falling in love with you

MEMORY (An Un-Sung Song - Written in 2005)

Stanza 1

Life is just a memory

Looking back, I understand

Times of joy, 

Tears and aches,

It’s only now, I comprehend

I've loved and laughed

Cried and fought

Told you all my woes and fears

You've seen me here and caught me there

And then made me sing without a care

Chorus 

So, I'm singing about life

Telling you my story

Walking through it all again

Talking about unfading memories

And singing about life

Cause’ today is not like yesterday

Stanza 2

Life is just a memory

Thinking now of who I used to be

How I've tried

To save and keep

Every thing, I couldn't set free

You came to me

Gave rest and peace

And caught me, every time I fell

You made me stand and in you, remain

And taught my heart to sing again

PAINTED DREAMS - January 1, 2011 (Lyrics for Alobo)

Stanza 1                  

They say every dream needs a dreamer

We cry out for them with passion and power

When helplessness makes days seem dark and bleak

And people are colorless and meek

We all need a reason

To believe in living every season

Someone to touch our soul and hearts

 And help us reach those far-away stars

Pre-Chorus

Oh, oh, oh, my friend

Let your imagination speak

Would you rise?

Be our dreamer!

Chorus

If I could just paint my dreams and yours

Help us live this life we now share

If I could just have my way, without fears

Till death will I strive, with passion and care

Hey… I would be your dreamer  

Together, we’ll color our world

Stanza 2

They say there’s no life with no vision

Children’s hearts bleed dry for true mission

When the road ahead is tough in word or deed

They call out to heaven for someone to lead

Everyone’s looking for an answer

Knocking on doors for a breath of fresh air

We’re seeking for true direction

Desperate for love and motivation

Bridge

So paint your dreams

Reds, blues and greens

Make them live, like lovers do

Set your hearts free, live out your passions

Color your world, be my dreamer

I WAS YOUNG - September 2009

I looked the age

I played the part

I did it well

Or so I thought

Then everything came crashing down

I realized I was young

I had a life

I called my own

I danced for nights

I knew my rights

Then life became a sudden frown

I realized I was young

For days and days I had it all

Everything was always just a call

I longed for pleasure, fame and style

I fought for more, all the while

Then the pain and tear drops stung

I realized I was young

I’d lived for years without a care

I’d given all I’d had, for all

I’d loved them well, with all my heart

And sure I was, I knew it all

My life was a melody to be sung

My youth like a harp to be strung

Then why did things come crashing down?

And why did life become a frown?

Why had the pain and tear drops stung?

Why was every emotion, out of me, wrung?

I realized I was young

DREAMS - August 2009

I have no dreams
I have no desires
My favorite phrase is to let me be
There's nothing out there for which I need a key

I have no hopes
I have no reasons
There's no one out there to whom I need an answer give
My favorite pastime is just to let me live

I have no love
I have no laughter
There's no place out there to what I'd give the name home
Can I not be left in peace to roam?

I have no dreams
I have no desires
I have no hopes nor reasons
I have no love nor laughter
I have not because I ask not
I ask not because I want not

But what would my life be
If I but desired to dream?

COLORBLIND - 2005

The little I've travelled, the people I've met, the friendships built and the memories shared - 

I've realized i'm colorblind! 

People surround me and fill my life with laughter and sorrows - adding color to my life - 

But I think i'm colorblind! 

And why must I be so colorblind? 

I look around and all I see is people - happy people, sad people, lonely people, busy people, angry people, bitter people, joyful people, selfish people, hungry people, kind people, funny people, crazy people, unique people, wild people and more...

Funnily, I don't see dark skin, fair skin, yellow skin or coffee colored skin? 

NO, you see i'm colorblind! :)

A Trip back to South India (December 2006)

I stand fidgeting on a rooftop and watch a line of faces troop in. Some ring a bell and many don't. I realize it isn't a good sign so i turn and ask my closest neighbor - who are they? He identifies and describes them to me one by one. I learn in minutes the family story -- to some i'm an aunt, to many a cousin. The names they call me vary as my relation to them does. A brother's child pronounces a strange word while a sister's little one another. Some of them are taller and bigger than me. I wonder in awe -- what I had witnessed nearing Nine years ago had undergone transformation. 

My smile widened and I began to fit in -- the long lost hand was slipping into the glove. Well, almost -- when the faces reached the first floor -- they turned and looked at me, some stared. Most of them shuffled quickly into the next room. A few asked questions and realizing I was indeed family -- came greeting. I heard "Who is that girl?", "Is she a North Indian" and more uttered in loud whispers ... Should I laugh or should I cry? Tough Call! I smiled and decided to make the most of my two and a half day visit. 

I re-introduced my self to them. There were some new faces as well -- add-ons to the family through marriage vows and wedding bells. I viewed my extended family with joy -- it was a totally different world down here in South India. The days went by quickly -- long drives, long chats, long hours of eating and meeting. Need I say more? It was a wedding after all -- the last girl cousin's in our large family excluding of course, me! 

I concluded -- I had changed, they had changed -- Life had moved on and if you can't speak Tamil, just stick to English! I said goodbye and returned home satisfied!

DAYS GONE BY : (27th November 2009)

I sit on my bed

Sip my coffee in thoughtful daze

Then I lay me down

And stare at space in soulful glaze

I hear the music blare

The sirens scream

And I wonder with sulky gloom

Of days gone by

Should I ponder?

Should I cry?

Or should I still my sigh

And sing in Joy?

I catch my breath and think of you

Then breathe a prayer of thanks for you

The days gone by, seem so few!

(An old text message sent to Mung)

I REMEMBER YOU

I remember the days I laughed out loud,

You sat beside and smiled

I remember the times we walked and talked,

You kept in step and listened

I remember the nights I cried my tears,

You held my hands and wept

I remember watching the sun rise and set,

The moon glow and stars shine,

The mountains stand and rains fall,

And the oceans roll their waves back

I remember how my heart felt,

And my friend, I remember you




(A Poem : Written in 2009)

Strange Love [an incomplete song] Written in 2005

Strange Love
I couldn't understand it
I couldn't comprehend
How could you love somebody
So deep, it tore your heart apart?
How could you care so much, so true
And never once show him your heart?

This Love's so strange
Refreshing like flowers
This Love has many faces
Displaying a range of colors

Strange Love
I'd spent many nights a dreaming
I haven't met another like him
Waking up with tears a streaming
Amidst gloomy rain
Lashing against the window pane
There would never be another like him!
How could I love somebody
So deep, it breaks my heart?
How could I care, so much, so true
Yet hide this love as childish art?

This Love's so strange
Refreshing like flowers
This Love has many faces
Displaying a range of colors

[NOT to be concluded] 

FOR ABHINAV (Written in March 2005)

Seven months ago, one day, I sat at my desk pounding way at the keyboard of my computer. I was writing a common mail to my closest friends. It was a ‘Thank You’ mail. I was celebrating my birthday the next day and before all the calls, emails, visits and messages started pouring in, I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude by telling these special people in my life that I could never repay them for their love and kindness in my life, especially over the last year.

Birthdays always make me reminisce. I looked back at my year. Moments sprung up before me and I re-lived some conversations. It wasn’t the best year of my life. I had experienced deep hurts and painful sicknesses that I couldn’t explain. I remember crying myself to sleep, night after night, fearing that my agony would never end. Suddenly, my eyes began to sting. Those horrid memories brought back tears to my eyes. It was fifteen minutes to mid-night. I knew the calls would start pouring in soon. I sighed a sweet sigh, ‘I did have many friends’. I knew I shouldn’t be crying. I wished there was a way to distract myself from ‘me’. For eight miserable months I had been only thinking about ‘me’. I was almost beginning to hate myself. I rolled my eyes, stopping briefly heavenward. God didn’t seem to be listening. I completed a full circle of ‘eye-ball rolling’ and looked back at my half written email, disinterestedly.

Eleven fifty-three, my cell phone beeped softly. Ok, here goes, I thought. My first birthday wish was coming in even though it was seven minutes early. I opened the message automatically, eyes still glued to the screen in front. Seconds later, I glanced down at the words on my phone. It was no sweet birthday wish filled with promises or blessings. It was from an uncle, a family friend, who, in the first place, shouldn’t really be sending me a message on my phone at that hour.

But what I read made me shake my head over and over again. I was shocked like never before. I was being informed about the sudden drowning of a friend. He was a few years younger than me but we were good friends. His name was Abhinav, but almost everybody who knew him, lovingly called him ‘Abhi’. In recent months I hadn’t seen him as often as I would have wanted to, since he was studying in another city. Nevertheless, we used to bump into each other at random events like marriages, parties and the like. Every meeting was always memorable. He was tall, well built, and had the best hugs, ever. Soft spoken and kind, and for someone his height and size, he was most gentle. Every sister’s dream ‘little brother’ and every guy’s blood-sworn loyal friend; he was larger than life in the hearts of us who knew him.

He’d gone fishing with his friends, at a river near his college. A few of them, along with him, went down some moldy, windy stairs to the water. As they laughed, talked and enjoyed their sport, his friends made their way back up, calling out to him to join them. “I’ll be right there”, he said, standing there as the water lapped his feet.

He climbed a few steps higher as the water began to rise. There was something in the river; the current was strong. His friends were calling him and he turned quickly, to begin climbing back up the stairs. In a split second, he slipped and fell. The water was dangerous and it almost swallowed him up. He screamed out in fear, for help. His friends, standing, somewhere way above, tried to throw branches and logs of wood down to him. He clung on to one but in a matter of moments, before their helpless eyes, he left them, yelling and screaming. The current pulled him into itself.

In a daze I heard about how his parents, brother, friends, teachers and the rescue team searched for him, for hours, hoping against all hope. They returned back without him or his body; bringing with them only the largest hole they had ever seen or experienced in their lives.

The clock struck twelve, my phone rang promptly, and a group of cheery friends sang ‘Happy Birthday’ out loud. The messages poured in, I finished my email, turned the computer off and got up from my desk. I had things to do; people to visit, comfort to give, and prayers to pray for grieving friends.

The shortness of life scared me. Suddenly, I longed to throw everything I had in me, to help people around me. I realized my life was not meant to be about ‘me’ and I had just learned it the hard way. God had been listening!

CUSTOMERS WHO CARE : An Article (Written in 2006)

Customers are strange people. The second thing most customers do (shopping being the first) is to complain. We complain about the cost, the quality of the product, the horrible color with the perfect fit, the perfect color with the hopeless fit, the ambiance of the store, the other customers, the sales people who offer no help, the sales peoples who offer too much help, the lack of stock, and sometimes even the friends we shop with. Oh it goes on! Complaining could almost classify as a sport or entertainment!

The production industry, however, has taken this spirit (attitude) of complaining seriously and that is why we have Customer Care, Service and Personnel. We, Indians, are known world-over for our warm welcome and hospitality. Even as children, we have been taught to offer a glass of water to any and every body that walks into our home. We seat our guests and a few minutes later, serve tea whether they would like some or not. We give them our undivided attention and when they leave, are sure that they have enjoyed their brief or even surprise visit. Such is our heritage!

However, out in the market place, things have changed a little bit. Constant yelling and display of emotions, a variety of speech, undesired persuasion and uncalled for attitudes and actions mark most shopping trips. ‘Guests’ have become complaining customers and ‘hosts’ have turned into annoying or unhelpful shadows called sales personnel. I speak purely as an amateur shopper and mere observer but the truth is that we still leave most stores with plenty of bags, yet rarely do I remember tripping into a store and enjoying the experience of just being there irrespective of whether I buy a thing or not.

Much research has gone into the world of customer service resulting in numerous customer care centers opening in most major Indian cities where service is rendered largely via the use of a telephone. But in regular shops, outdoor markets, shopping complexes, malls and departmental stores, I believe we need to bring in and restore our culture of hospitality and offer genuine care.

Maybe some basic suggestions would help all of us develop our ability to care for customers and generally all people who come our way:

1. Say we don’t consider serving people as our job but instead a voluntary act which actually wants what is the best for the other person. A constant focus and check on our otherwise normally selfish attitudes could bring a huge change to the way we serve people.
2. If you think your smile, opening greeting and the warmth of your welcome are all missed or wasted on your customer, you are wrong! The first impression counts! They know they are going to enjoy checking out this store. However, the first impression lasts only when the rest of the personnel maintain the same spirit.
3. Remain at an arm’s distance from your customers. Easy to reach and within earshot to be able to assist. However, do not crowd them. They don’t want you stepping on their heels, smelling their hair and badgering them with your opinions when they would prefer to be left alone. Try not to stress them out. Be sensitive!
4. Can we go beyond the usual “Yes”, “No”, “I’m sorry” and their likes? That is just what you are expected to say anyway. How about doing a good and quick analysis of the situation or dilemma of the customer and finding a few suitable alternatives for them to pursue? They will be grateful!
5. Soft spoken and easy customers should be handled delicately while over assertive, boisterous and difficult ones require you to be quick, sharp and firm. However, whatever the nature of the customer be, genuine politeness and warmth should not be compromised upon. Put yourself in the shoes of your customer, and remember, they all need help, except ministered differently.
6. Watch your “I’s” and “You’s”. The customer is always right is what the customer always thinks. So when you speak “I” takes all the blame while “You” gets all the assistance, compliments and goodness. Don’t allow pride to come in the way of service! Therefore, lip service should also be followed with active solutions.
7. Focus on making your customer happy and not your boss. This can be tough because promotions may not come easy. You need to decide for yourself if the customer is more important than your pay check and status or vice versa. However, if your attitude is that of service, you will serve your boss when you serve your customers well.

I hope these basic tips are helpful though this is by no means a comprehensive list. There are complete books written on this topic from which we can all learn a lot, whether we are in the service industry or not. One last thing to remember is not to take customer complaints personally and make sure they do not affect your emotions, attitude or day. Serving people brings with it a totally radical and yet wonderful sense of and joy and fulfillment. Customer satisfaction can be your satisfaction; our satisfaction!

Mercia Prince

FOR COFFEE LOVERS & OTHERS (Written sometime in 2005/06)

The world is talking about coffee. What once used to be an alien concept is now a ritual highlight. She asks, “What do you want to do this evening?” Her friend replies, “How does a cappuccino sound?” Well, how does it sound? Sounds great to me and I think it tastes even better!

But, why coffee? Doubtless there are still many who don’t understand why they need to spend a hundred rupees or 3 US dollars for a small cuppa coffee. I’ve often heard the statement ‘I might as well have my cup of coffee at home’. True as their concerns may be, I believe they haven’t understood what lies at the heart of every coffee date. The spirit of ‘coffee’ is easy to miss.

Since I live around 25 kilometers away from my parents, I barely get to spend time with them. Hence, a few days ago, I decided to ask them if I could bring them out someplace. When they consented, we went to a nice coffee shop which I personally favor. Both of them had in the recent past begun drinking coffee as opposed to tea at their doctor’s orders. I wondered if they, at their age, would appreciate (even just a little bit), the idea of a coffee-date.

When my dad called me the next morning to thank me for the fun evening we had shared, he added, “Would you like to do it again tonight?”

Looking back, I tried to remember the number of coffee-dates I’d had with a variety of people from across the world. The countries were different, the coffee-shops varied, the coffee and dessert we sampled, many, while each of the faces sitting before me had unique personal life-stories to their credit. You can go on a coffee date with a friend (girl or guy), your sibling, your parents or even an office contact. Blind dates over coffee are not advisable by me.

Amidst such differences, what made each of those coffee dates special and memorable? I realize it’s not what first comes to our minds when we fix that coffee date. What is it then? I believe the title I’ve given best suits this article since often times both coffee lovers and others don’t really get what it is all about. Allow me to share with you some of the Dynamics of Coffee.

Coffee, the Opportunity

Every official meeting presents opportunities for work, relationship or learning, then why not those over coffee. I believe when two or three people gather together to share moments over coffee, they make a statement which says that they have time for one-another. This creates an opportunity to share what’s on their minds and in their hearts. A sip of coffee, a questioned asked and answered … another sip and genuine interest from the listener allows the other to open up and share, unburdening himself of his deepest concerns.

Coffee, the opportunity for you to unburden yourself!

Coffee, the Friendship

The coffee experience comes under the banner of relationships, which is why a one time date doesn’t bear much fruit. Periodic (preferably once in two weeks) dates can turn these opportunities into healthy and meaningful moments of give and take. Genuine warmth and care is built around coffee cups. Some of the things your date would appreciate are honesty, a listening ear, advice when asked for, a hug and may be a treat (once in a while). Some days you may be at the listening end while other times, you may need a friend. The friendships built over coffee are long-lasting because each date picks up from where the previous one left off and there is a depth in relationships. The difference between a coffee date and an alcohol dominated one is that you always remember the previous meeting spent together over coffee.

Coffee, the friendship that lasts longer than the taste of coffee!

Coffee, the Comfort

Opportunities turned into friendship give you a chance to serve your date in a way that can change the course of their life. When the coffee tastes good, the music is soft and openness is shared, the time is right to help the other find his way back. Share comfort through words of wisdom. Lead the seeking heart to the right path and allow them to experience the solace in your friendship and advice. I recently read at a coffee shop that ‘A lot happens over coffee’. Yes, a lot can happen over coffee if all coffee-drinkers around the world are prepared and willing to connect with their dates and offer the assurance and comfort they are looking for.

Coffee, the comfort shared gives you an edge over regular coffee!

Coffee isn’t just about spending that money or wasting 2 hours over mere chit-chat; it’s about taking deep pleasure in the various flavors of opportunity, friendship and comfort that come with every cup. Coffee is truly about honest and open times of giving and taking between your date(s) and you. I hope you continue to discover newer and exciting personal favorites.

P.S. The coffee you order should always be served with unforgettable taste. It does enhance every coffee date and hence, for now we’ll trust those who make our coffee to satisfy our taste buds. Enjoy your Coffee!

Till December : A Song (November 6, 2010)

Stanza 1:

It seems like forever

Since you’ve been gone

Each night of endless pain

Brings tears that fall like rain

But I swear I’ve tried to move on

Chorus:

Wish I could turn back the hands of time

Tell you the days together were ever fine

Give me one more chance

Baby, let me try                     

If I give you till December

Will you return, be mine

Stanza 2:

It feels like November

My world’s gloomy gray

I cry out this sad, sad song

And hope you won’t be long

So I pray, Lord help me hold on

Chorus:

Wish I could turn back the hands of time

Tell you the days together were ever fine

Give me one more chance

Baby, let me try                     

If I give you till December

Will you return, be mine

Bridge:

I’m holding on, holding on

I’ll love you forever

I’m holding on, holding on

Draw near, sweet December

SOUNDS OF CREATION

I walked a quiet path 

On a cold yet sunny day 

No movement, no voices 

'Til I reached the silent bay 

Shivering yet serenely warm 

I stood still to behold 

A pain, a cry, an ache so bold 

In me, aggravating yet gently calm 

For then it was that I heard 

Majesty, lapping at the cove 

Beauty, sighing as it sang 

Trees and birds and icy waves 

Murmuring and whispering 

Laughing, weeping and dancing 

Holding on together 

Holding close to each other 

Carrying on 

Always carrying on 

Sweet sounds I hear 

The sounds of creation 

Sweet sounds I hear 

The joy of the creator 

SOMETIMES

Sometimes you close your eyes

And think again about times been through. 

Sometimes you throw back your head and laugh 

In memory of jokes transpired.

Sometimes you wet your cheeks with tears 

For things cried so many times before.

Sometimes you cover your aching ears 

And drown out the noises in your head.

Sometimes you sit, oh so still, 

Uncertain of which memories to kill.

Sometimes you just have nothing left to say.

And that’s when you get up and go your way.

I WOULD HAVE

I would have called out your name

But I stopped at the greatness of your fame

I would have directed my feet to you

But I seemed so unsure of me and you; of us

I would have reached out to touch your sleeve

But I feared you’d turn around and ask me to leave

I’d longed to slip back into your life, silently

I’d yearned to relive those distant memories

If only I could lean toward you, without fear

And know that you would too, without fear

I would have

I know, I would have

It’s a pity now that years have gone by,

And it’s too late to remember and cry.

Love Song for A Child

Stanza 1

Every night, I see you in my dreams

Every day, close in my heart, you stay

I take a step; you turn your face away

You never say a word, never wrong

You never reach out, oh always strong

But tears rise and fall like rushing streams

Chorus:

You can make it through the years

You can dream to be the best you can

When your heart and soul, they dare to hope

Let love and peace wipe away your fears

Stanza 2

Years come by, stand up and fade

I see a deep light shine in your dark eyes

You stretch out your hands, strengthen your ties

You open your mind, always right

You stand up to speak, never fight

I see you live as lyrics to sweet sounds played

Chorus:

You can make it through the years

You can dream to be the best you can

When your heart and soul dare to hope

Let love and peace wipe away your fears

Bridge:

Oh, you’re not alone (never alone)

Hey, I sing you a song (a love song)

Be the best you can

Sweet child, be the best you can

Strokes of Red

There’s a poem I struggle to write

A song I long to cry

A portrait to be colored

A lingering thought, I brush aside

And a tear I reach out to wipe

The words and beats lay ready to use

The music’s ringing in my head

My thoughts wait restlessly, to be said

And my brush is soaked in red

I stop, take a deep breath

I look up, longing for you

The clouds are shades of black and blue

The sun, suddenly, seems untrue

The moon shines; brilliant silver, as if on cue

And I, in calming pink, fall in line with you

I pick up my brush with lofty thoughts

The tear, drops like crystal, to the ground

I hum the tune, a raw green melody

And color my canvas in strokes of red

My thoughts remain on you; you with me

My struggles, for now, sleep on my bed

While I swirl in showers of crimson red

I soak myself in the shimmering colors of your sweet love

And then to you, my love, my thoughts are finally said