12:45 AM

I see the blinking flashes of red

across the cityscape,

I hear the empty whispers of the wind

carrying the unspoken wish of escape.

I can feel the emptiness of the road

that lies ahead.

More than see I can feel

the absence of those who lie dead.

The occasional passing

of a truck or two

serves as a reminder of those here

who have the privilege to bid adieu.

I am lucky enough to be able to observe and infer

the past, present and future tense,

wondering if we can

hope something into existence.

~Khyati

The Eve on the Balcony

Moonlit night

when the clouds come by

with gusts of wind

that are perfectly timed.

A peek of joy

from the curtained coy

of the innocent eyes

that eagerly deploy

the party of three

that was met with glee,

and the much-needed break

from the stressful spree.

These are mere takeovers

that we hold firmly closer,

when we truly cherish

the fourth in our lucky clover.

~ Khyati

Muse: Aishwarya Rishi

Shady Utopia

It was almost like a dream,

too good to be true,

too flawless a scene.

I had fallen in love the moment it began unfolding.

Somewhat similar to a mother's scolding.

I wasn't certain of the future or of the present,

I could only try to link them with the past's torment.

I knew nothing that would help me survive this war,

and yet I was fueled with a desire unknown to all.

I couldn't care less about what happened along the way,

and yet all this drama got me hooked on the play.

It was so magical and almost surreal,

hence, I couldn't come to terms with it being so damn clear.

I was so lost in my head that I missed,

all of the signs that ultimately became cysts,

and blocked me out of my own world,

as I saw my worst nightmare being unfurled.

~Khyati