Sangeetha Kamath

                AND WE ALL FALL DOWN! Willow Grove  November,1980 First, there were the letters. No identification, no stamp. The content inside was a single sheet of stark white paper and a single line which said, 'Own up before it's too late.' Taking it as a prank by the neighborhood kids, Drake would tear them into shreds and toss them into the trash bin. And then, the spate of harassment began. The letters wouldn't stop. As much as he ignored them, they arrived daily. The same single line, in every letter.  The houses here in Willow Grove were few and far between. Taking angry strides while fuming at the letter in hand, he faced the desolate, winding road in front of his gate, hurling abuses at no one in particular. He didn't dare go to the authorities, for fear that they would in turn, question him and dig up his past to see what he was supposed to 'own up' to. The letters were always hand delivered and that was worrying.  Retu...

                          OMEGA  And we knew this would come to an end Every day, every moment, every uphill road and every bend Set in gold, a whisper of a dream embroidered on organza, regally  Letting go of everything, feeling free and light finally  A journey in multiple frames of chronicling and leaving  There are seasons of happy endings Cozy fireplaces to reminisce summer laughter lilting Autumn in her carnival clothes breathtaking  Walking miles in the arid deserts, I had a thousand reasons to go A million to stay  In search of warmer kingdoms to escape November freeze Migrating are a convoy of starlings and geese Timeless! No beginning, no end Pieces of me are everywhere, I never went away  Watching a thousand sunsets, horizons streaked in ribbons of blazing glitter  With promises of a prussian canvas and diamond dust splatter Stars sizzle to a vapor at dawn, retreating and...

                       KONNICHIWA  Poets, writers, lyricists and composers You led me into your magical world of  emotions, sentiments, thoughts and fears A month we spent on weaving words together On a single prompt everyday which brought  us as friends much closer Appreciation and emojis of hugs, love, hearts and surprises Virtual fingertips gently wiped away sorrow, anxiety and tears Witty and hilarious pieces were like a much needed manna on careworn day NaPoWriMo ends today, tomorrow's just a another boring 'Manic Monday'  It does feel like a send-off from college Good times will rock and roll again soon but April was the exquisite privilege Walking the sun-scorched days next week, meeting you all was something I looked forward to every morn,  I'll be back to my grind so bleak Reminding myself this strand of pearls is still intact  We'll have another stage to play our part and interact A meeti...

                     CERAUNOPHILE  Dusk rolls out on the lavender fields,  Carpeting paths of Tuscan vineyards,  A shimmering violet cradle for diamond dust sprinkles Tear-drop petals of lupine and periwinkles  The quietude in the iris swathed valley paused as sangria flutes tinkle The sky ribboned with heather, mauve and colors of berries The sweeping gossamer trails of her lilac gown; A wreath of fragile orchids as her crown  She was the dawn on the mountain, mulberry over the town  Purple has many memories,  the welts too in her heart buried deep down, within She's the storm who travels over the oceans and the seven seas O'er the hills, deserts, countryside and deep valleys An impending cataclysm, a beautiful disaster  Charging forth, the stereotypes she'll break and shatter She's a blizzard on the frozen Tundra A stinging dust storm on the scorching Sahara A pelting summer rain, a downpour...

                        EMPTY CHAIR  In a sun drenched liquid pool of golden light sheen Untouched sits grandpa's rattan and bamboo chair, of the brightest canary yellow I'd ever seen "Grandpa! Tell me a story", I would beam… Why didn't the white bunny visit me last night in my dream? Lounging on it, nursery rhymes were hummed for me and folktales were spun! Tapestries of dazzling dreams were woven  and melodious songs were sung! With your steaming cup of coffee in hand  The morning papers you ardently scanned Your voice baritone to that chair belonged Your siesta on it till dusk was comfortably prolonged No one would I allow, within an inch square of your favorite chair It was my territory to guard when you weren't there! Like a soldier I would barricade it if anyone slightly dared Like a tiger I would roar, mimic it's claws and fangs bared Grandpa was tired, he grew old and weak Wrinkles on his forehead and che...

Prompt: A message from an unknown number leads to a shocking revelation! Write a story in 200 words in a chat format. ENTRY 1: SHAZAM!  Unknown: Shazam ! Jasmine: Ha! Look who's here! Remembered me after a lifetime… Unknown: This is a new number, Jaz. I was unable to attend your wedding. Heard you were back in town, so texted you.  Jasmine: Where were you all this while, Rachel? I had called you several times in these past few months Unknown: I was buried deep in work, Jaz. Shall we meet? I can't talk right now. Jasmine: Of course, tell me where. Unknown: Bring along your Jon and all our pals too. Let's all meet together. Jasmine: How exciting! Say when. Unknown: Tomorrow at noon. 'Cottage By The Lake, No.33'. Don't tell him just yet, let it be a surprise. Jasmine: Let his eyes pop out when he sees my stunning bestie.  Unknown: Let's have some fun too like the good old times and play treasure hunt. Bring  along a shovel.  Jasmine: That's my girl! Unknown...

                      NERVES OF STEEL  Aching feet, throbbing back, swollen belly, yet stretched thin How phenomenal is the female body, tough from within Fatigue! Nausea! Insomnia! Soaring blood pressure and palpitations  Endless supplements and medications  Emotions on a rollercoaster Hormones going haywire  Twisting, turning, pushing, wriggling tiny kicking feet Growing by the day is her own heartbeat… Baby showers, unpacking gifts and shopping for more Excitement! Third trimester is nearly over, nearly there Contractions by the hour and minute, growing intense Exhaustion! Wishing for a release from this pain immense Incredible! Remarkable! The life she creates within is a true miracle! Pic Courtesy:ArtoonsInn Poetry Parlour  ©️ Sangeetha Kamath