Mamta Agarwal - One Stormy Night

As I heard sound of footsteps outside my door
I stifled my sobs in my throat
And pretended to be fast asleep
As I like to deal privately with my grief.

My apartment faced the sea shore
I could hear the sound of a heavy downpour.
The sea was tumultuous and rough
It was scary to see the waters rise several meters up.

Was it also going into convulsions to express its protest?
I wondered as I lay feeling bereft.
Waves and waves of emotions engulfed me
And I felt I will drown in the sea

Of my sorrow, or my heart will burst.
Whatever happened to my passion and lust
For life, I asked as painful memories resurged.
How did I allow myself to be submerged

In this deluge of grief unplugged?
Demented, I just helplessly shrugged.
Night was the only witness as I exorcised my demons,
crying with me- non judgemental, and no sermons.

Is this what Nature is compelled to do
When it feels degraded by me and you?
Is this why we have hurricanes and floods,
So we wake up when we lose our flesh and blood?

A new day had dawned, streets were deserted,
Trees were uprooted, I stoically studied.
After the damage and harm
There was an uncanny calm.

I stood in anguish at my window
And mechanically glanced at the fisherman’s colony below.
busy salvaging whatever they could from the debris.
I know I too shall rise from the ashes like a proverbial phoenix.

The doorbell rang, milkman had arrived.
I washed all traces of tears and put on a smile.
Sun was trying to peep from behind the clouds
from the distance I could hear temple bells resound.

Mamta Agarwal

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/one-stormy-night/