The hangman was called on duty after several years. Capital punishment was almost abolished in the country, till a ghastly rape-murder happened. The barbarism involved in the crime generated a powerful wave against the criminals. The hangman was being interviewed by several channels about the art and science – thickness and quality of rope used, … Continue reading The last time
I don’t know why I was surprised every time love started or ended. Having seen many summers and failed relationships, I always wanted to warn my daughter about the pitfalls ahead, when she ventured into a relationship. I wanted to tell her it’s not worth it in the long run, and she might as well … Continue reading Influence
“I’ll trust your judgement. A woman has superior intuition.” “We’ve peddled this theory for long. Actually, it is about a capability for lateral vision, something that men don’t have. We capture fleeting expressions in a nano-second, and it gives clues to the person’s psyche.” “I should be careful with my expressions, when I’m around a … Continue reading A Writer is Born
I’ve often wondered why this is called the River of Shame. What unsavoury secrets does it carry at its base? Does it remember the people who moved away, leaving deposits of whatever they wanted to shed - burdens on their conscience, or proof of their involvement? Will the river remain a mute witness, or have … Continue reading River of Shame
“I know we are not a predominantly agrarian economy now, and the cow is not so central to our system. Yet, it is the only emotional and religious force which can unite the nation,” said a leader decades ago. His disciples rule the country. Beef is banned. People who are believed to be dealing in … Continue reading Inaction
I escaped superficiality, on experiencing the depth of pain. I was compelled to delve in, and find the source. Why does my mother hate me? Each humiliating episode of sarcasm, rebuke or feigned disappointment stands sharp and clear in memory. At that time, I did not know what emotional or mental abuse meant. Today, I’ve … Continue reading Dark depths
The festival of lights leaves darkness behind – piles of waste, regret of things undone, unfulfilled wishes, comparison with celebrations in better times. It is an exercise in meaninglessness. She wonders about the fakeness of pretty masks, and hollowness concealed by colourful decorations. “It is all because you don’t absorb positive things. They just bounce … Continue reading Barrenness
A kid prances around in the innocent belief that the world is beautiful. Leaves and flowers gently caress her, as she wraps her body around the tree trunk. She looks at her frail and withering body now, and looks around. These memories were left here with the trees. The trunk stands steady and sturdy in … Continue reading Ageing
The gawkiness of childhood left behind often generated a ‘Was that really me?’ feeling. She blamed the lack of sophisticated parents and a nurturing environment for it. The question she asked herself with embarrassment, was soon replaced with a “Is that really me?” It was again the environment -the psychopath boss and toxicity of a … Continue reading Once again
I dreamt I was the moon. Miraculously, the underbelly of the world revealed itself – crime, conspiracy, concealed hostility. I swelled in size gradually, as I internalized the gory tales. I wish I was the Sun, scalding all…. but it was a moonless night again. https://dversepoets.com/2019/07/22/prosery-2/
Reena Saxena 