(I)
When I look into your shining eyes
behind those glasses,
I find redemption. Though your face
is masked, I picture you as a baby
elephant. There are so many pictures tucked in
so many hearts. I know,
you are feeling thirsty doctor. If corona
could turn into an ant, I would definitely
crush it for you. But for now, I want you
to be a little far. My heart has become
an active volcano of gratitude and when it bursts,
an army of anti-virus will kill all that’s due.
(II)
The deserted streets – no culprit to kill.
Yet they are doing their rounds.
Sirens, barricades, announcements!
They are on duty.
Should I fear them?
There are demons within
all of us! But there are angels too.
Their courage signifies hope.
Hope to live – within the walls of the house.
Last Sunday, I read the news.
One of them got infected and passed away.
The volcano in my heart became
severely active!
It’s about to burst and when it
happens a cloud of gratitude will shower
and wash away all the fear that lingered for so long.
There will be freedom to rejoice!
(III)
It’s just a thank you note!
To the one who empties my dustbin.
The sheer act empties humanity
of all the viruses it kept breeding in its mind.
Let the volcano of gratitude
burst open and empty out all
that somehow was compressed in the chambers
of my heart. Love, hope, empathy, compassion,
and the message that we are in it together.
It’s just a thank you note to end with!
Himanshu Ranjan lives in Nashik, Maharashtra. He is a poet and a Young India Fellow. His anthology is titled ’36 Love Stories’ in which he has composed thirty-six sonnets and a sestina. His poems have appeared or forthcoming in ‘Eunoia Review,’ ‘Poetry Potion,’ ‘Scarlet Leaf Review,’ and Indrdhanush.’ He loves teaching chemistry.