LITR 3731 Creative Writing 2006

Neelam Damani

Swan Song

Arrested by shadows like shackles unseen,

I’m suffocating in these leaden walls.

Everything moves, mocks, flees,

While I – a frozen creek,

Burn under the scorching sun.

Melt – Melt – under the scorching sun!

Melt – in this heat of shame!

Melt – by the mocking flame of a burning heart!

“Nevermore,” comes the reply,

As I wince in pain from a fresh wound.

Like water

It stealthily seeped

Into cracks of my being

Froze

Like stone

CUT

With blades of Ice

                                                Will this stone smash?

                        Will this water waste?

                                    And release – me – from myself?

                        Or will release come with only Life

                                                            In these leaden walls?

A blot of lightning as I open the Door.

Crack!

** Swan Song -- the last act or manifestation of someone or something; farewell appearance. Reference from an ancient belief that the Mute Swan is completely silent during its lifespan, but may sing one heartbreaking song at its dying hour.

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