I am extremely proud and happy that my entry for the October 2006 Iland Contest has managed to win the Second Prize, again. The poem was written almost instantaneously, as the very sight of the picture (which was the theme of the contest) brought a gamut of images in front of my eyes. I put in my entry as early as the 4th of that month. Later, I ruminated on the thin prospects of the poem, without the subtle modifications which could have helped it further its cause. Still, the satisfaction of submitting an un-engineered, unaltered piece of inspired verse lingered in my heart. The fact that it has brought me a prize just adds to that feeling of contentment. 

Darkness engulfs the expanse of sand
As twinkling stars struggle with clouds
Smuggling flickers of hope into the eyes
Blinded by passion, despair and war.
Two souls crave.


The fortress stands a lone patriarch.
Looking imposing though old.
Strong, unyielding, imperious.
Eroding at edges, yet averse to winds
That brings change.


With a feverish tremble within
And cheeks the color of flames
She arrives. Shy and withdrawn.
Preparing for a tryst with ‘her destiny.’
The ripples subside.


Zest in heart and unsaid pain
He rides his beast into the night.
Radiating pride and glory. Tired,
Looking askance at the sky.
His stars conspire.


The river recedes in low-tide
Bowing in gracious welcome
To a union this majestic.
The steps to the Ghats descending
In fluent gratitude.


The stairs now anxious, eerie
In silence. The bushes sway.
The breeze tilting them in
Nodding approval of a saga,
Untold yet palpable.


Turbulence takes over
As emotions riot in rage.
Desires burning, their eyes meet.
Engaged in a longing stare. Threatening
To outlast time.


With eternity reeling in self doubt
And hours losing relevance
Their lips meet in a sublime embrace
Consumed by passion, warming
The air between.


Swords emerge as devil’s own
As love is taken hostage.
Blood bathes the Ghats again
Only this time, of innocence.
Sanct savage rituals.


The clouds part as moonlight peeps
Pouring silver on the stairs.
Serene and calm. Two souls meet.
Not time nor man can part them now.
Their shadows take their leave.
 

IN  CELEBRATION   OF   A   LASTING   LOVE - STORY..........................

Three Cheers for Sandhya!!!!!