August 21, 2009

House of Horrors


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Ray kicked open the front door and sauntered into the house. An air of abandonment loomed conspicuously over the threshold, like a dormant monster left undisturbed for long.
“Far too long” he mused, shining his torch over the dust-ridden floor. He was standing in what appeared to be a small corridor, the walls on either side adorned by thick framed photographs.
“Portraits of the old family” Ray noted, brushing off the dust from the picture closest to him.
He crossed the hallway in four, cautious strides. Passing through the door at the far end,he found himself in a pentagonal room marked by closed doors on all sides. Higher up on the walls were tiny windows, boarded by planks of wood.
Ray sniffed uneasily, and unbuttoned his loose shirt. He had a history of claustrophobia, and the memory of it was little encouragement. He would have liked nothing more than to be able to walk out instantly, but would sooner shoot himself than give in to his weakness. He knew perfectly well what would happen if he backed out-500 dollars, and his reputation was at stake.
“I will do this even if it kills me”, he spoke aloud, trying to inject in his voice a note of conviction that he did not quite feel.
Had he known what lay in store, he would have not have spoken of death so casually.

To be continued...

May 19, 2009

Is This Life?

Perennial- the cold river of tears
Every heartbeat muffled with fear
Why struggle,why the competition?
Life should be one big celebration!

Whatever happened to the people who care?
Who knew how to live,love and share?
Do wake up,before you miss the train
Or did your enthusiasm already wane?

In every corner,despairing spirits loom
Since when did you decide to live in such gloom?
It's your life,don't keep regrets for later
Why wait for God to make things better?

The time is ripe,the course is set
You're at fault if your goals are not met
You rent a car,you have a house-
Is this all you've dreamed about?

The world is yours,this life is too
What you make of it depends on you
Which makes more sense-to run a rat race?
Or make the world a happier place?

April 3, 2009

Train To Paradise.


The idea for this poem walked into my head several nights ago.It is a swift narration of a bizarre train incident,as seen through the eyes of the ticket-master.

“Excuse me, Miss, you’re not on the list
Do you have an explanation for this?
If you do, let’s hear you out
If not, kindly do step out.

Step out, out of this carriage
You don’t belong here without a ticket
Step out, out in the open
This train ride’s not for free.”

“Don’t have a ticket, Sir
Can’t afford one, you see
But I got on the train anyhow
And it’s taking me to paradise now.”

“Para… what? Is this a joke?
Or a mere trick to provoke?
Cut it out, it’s not funny
Why board the train if you have no money?”

“Told you Sir, would gladly repeat
I’m off to paradise, now do you hear me?
Will be there soon, I dare say
And I’m not getting down for anyone, Nay!”

“You darn will, Miss! I’ll see to it
Go! Bother someone else with your little fib
Step out Miss; give me no reason to harm
Step out gently, or I’ll ring the alarm.”

“No need Officer, no need at all
I now beg leave from you all
My station has come, in good time too
I won’t need more help from you.”

“Stop her boy! Don’t let her flee
We’ve got to get hold of that fibbing missy
Something’s wrong, my gut says so
This whole business is a bit too fishy!

What are you doing,you stupid fool?
You didn’t let her get away, did you?”
“Sir, she ran like the wind, with me in tow
Then – Oh Sir! – She jumped out of the door!”

“Jumped out of door of the moving train, boy?”
“And even as she fell, she squealed in joy,
‘I’m off, off to paradise anyhow
Won’t be seeing you in a long time now!’”