Overt feelings
in my eyes
grow naked tendrils that you dread
they stretch and touch
the chill making you gasp
inviting you deep
into dingy darkness
a world so different from your own
you squirm, look away
something gnaws your insides
like it does mine
yet… in different ways…
a covert hand finds a coin
the musical tinkle as it drops into the outstretched bowl
fills your heart
as it does mine
yet… in different ways…
– Shail Mohan (July 2010)
Written for the OSI prompt 124: ‘overt‘
Do we have to say our day is darker than your night
you cannot imagine even a fraction of our plight
We know that we don’t present such a lovely sight
but to make a living don’t we have a right?
Good one Govind.
Never too late! Thanks for sharing this with us. It is superb.
Welcome to Shail’s Nest Sandy. I hope to share more of my writings with OSI. Thanks for the encouragement.
‘Beautiful’ would be an understatement!!! Was this inspired by something that happened today/recently or a long time back? Or a daily occurrence? Do share what inspired you to write this, Shail
Thank you so much Pal. Hmm… I just saw the prompt ‘overt’ at OSI and this is what came to mind. One does feel guilty (or rather I do) for all one has over and above what is necessary to satisfy our basic need, when one sees the hunger, the squalor and helplessness of fellow humans.
Am rather lost for words here, even feelings and emotions, as I read this.
The way the poem curls its tendrils and draws me in to a darker place within; the way it lights up a stray thought I had while reading, experiencing this in a different perspective; the way I had a multitude of different ways I could explore this poem.
Multiple layers here, even it was meant to be one (which, I am sure it wasn’t!
) Blown away, Shail; simply that. I’ve been reading this so many times since I saw it here, yesterday afternoon 
Usha, your appreciation really helps. Thank you so much. I was in a hurry when I wrote this. I had come upon the site too late and it was the last day. A new prompt would be up the next day. But I am gratified it could convey so much. Though the ‘one layer’ is what I referred to in the comment above, yes I had other things on my mind as well.
Thank again Usha,
Gosh! You are amazing!!!!!
Multiple layers I read too like Usha… and blown away I was too.
Thank you IHM
WOW !!! With every poem, you make an impression, My God, you are just wonderful !!!
Thank you Uma!
“In Different Ways” demands my attention and makes me feel your words, ideas, and emotions in different ways as if you are watching me so closely from a distance, knowing what makes me tick.
Tock.
Scary.
But rewarding
Again, thanks for sharing.
You must put so very much into your writing,
to get so very much out.
I am glad to witness it.
Thank you Bob. I really am encouraged by your appreciation.
And I am encouraged by THAT, my friend. You’re an amazing writer AND person, two in one. :O)
/* into dingy darkness
a world so different from your own
you squirm, look away
something gnaws your insides
like it does mine
*/
loved that
Thank you Vishesh
a world so different from your own
you squirm, look away
Yes, I too look away. Don’t have courage to look into that world.
So well done. read it four -five times.
Thank you Harshad. I am glad to have chanced upon your poetry blog. Amazing how you convey a lot in few words and in such a simple manner. Kudos!