Sangeetha Kamath

              DEATH OF A SPRING LOVE On the longest night of winter,  The moon paled and gave her an answer Rippling waves of sunshine washed over the fog and dew A rainstorm was yet to be born before the thunder went silent Her bare feet drag on the shoreline  Digging into the wet sand The sea was mute today and the ocean quite blue Hollow cries echoed and mad dreams shattered  Shards of a porcelain doll were found With that of a crumpled heart She stumbles and slumps upon the desolate landscapes  Mizzle drenched diaphanous wings despair for flight Dancing silhouettes thrust the agonizing tides Moon rays burned on every tender plume Clawing at fragmented time she shrivels and cowers Clutching at last straws to resurface for her fair share Wandering circuses have fragile consequences Stretching for thousands of miles are barren lands If wishes were cast on falling stars, they drove her into a swirling abyss The last meeting shrunk her galaxy  condensing and collapsing her universe. Pi

                      OLIVER OPOSSUM  "Oliver, son, you'll be late for school. The sun is already shining behind the dogwood tree. Finish your sandwich quickly and scurry before the sun rises above the treetops." "Mom, I'm munching as fast as I can. I still crave for my favorite strawberries but I can no longer eat them now because of my allergy. Can I have some grapes for lunch? The teacher taught us the names of fruits yesterday." " Your new teacher seems to be good! Hurry along now. I'll go to the vineyard and if I'm lucky enough, I might find some ripe and juicy ones...and don't forget to look for your jacket on the 'Lost and Found counter'." Oliver scurried as fast as he could and was on the doorsteps of the School For Tots and Brats. His beady eyes were sparkling as he waited for the rest to arrive. He had been the first to arrive as always and today was the end of the month when the rewards were given. He couldn't wa