I am bad at many things… riding a bike,  drawing, writing a poem, small talk…the list can get pretty embarrassing! For me, people who can draw are superheroes of sorts. I can look at videos all day long of people creating magic through pencil or brush strokes. And people who can write poems belong to a different league altogether! And here I am not talking about the greats whose works of art have mesmerized generations…I am talking more about regular people who harbor such superpowers, while going about their lives in an unassuming manner.

   I am always mortified that someone, maybe my kids, someday will ask me to draw a picture of something. And I feel nervous just thinking about that! Same with writing poems. Ever since I have started blogging I often come across posts with beautiful poems that evoke so many emotions and then there are prompts that add the element of surprise and challenge too. And people write in response to those challenges making the act of writing poems seem so trivial while I stay as far as possible from such endeavors. Not my cup of tea!

   But the other day after a blog ‘conversation’ with Manja , I decided to make an attempt at trying to write a poem, of sorts. And I feel uneasy to say the least. I know I am probably making a fool of myself but as I have recently decided to put myself out there with respect to trying things previously unimaginable, I am going to go ahead and post this first ever ‘poem’! Thanks Manja for the encouragement!!

 

“Smile”

A smile can carry one a long way

Or so I have heard.

It masks the worrisome mind well

And helps heal a troubled heart, that is not yours.

Wear a smile, they often say

It is beautiful and it cares.

Smile at the person you just walked by

It may be all that she needs to turn around just another ordinary day.

Unspoken words that a smile brings

Can comfort the weary soul that has traveled far

Looking for that of which he is not sure.

When darkness comes and fear strikes a note

Smile through the fear and smile through the pain

Look around and hold on.

You will hear a tap, a gentle knock.

Who’s that, you may ask

It’s me, Hope, is the answer you will get.

Pause, to smile a bit

And through teary eyes and heaving heart,

Let her in.