Tuesday 7 June 2016

Peace and bliss






I like the way your hair waves off your forehead
in a gentle tide; the way your eyes crinkle
up small as you smile wide; your ears flush red
when you’re discomfited; the unpaired dimple
on the left corner of your mouth. My delight
stems from ordinary things, from the simple
halo of your hair on my pillow, the sunlight
striking it aslant, dusting it in sprinkles.

The somewhat stale-warm morning breath of the room,
yours mingled in it, therefore heady like perfume;
your half-open palm a boon and a promise
unfurling around my days, one hallowed world
tucked in your limbs, lines of thigh and waist, back curled
under the covers. No greater peace or bliss.



Still somewhat taken up with the breaking of rules, not for art or some serious reason like that.  Just to see how it feels like, if poetry feels like poetry if it snaps a few strict ones...The word sonnet comes from 'little song' and mine is that still, quite little, littler than fourteen even :)

It's the start of the Ramadan here where I am, and one has to be in Arablands to appreciate that austerity and introspection and prayer and joyfulness and exuberance can combine so seamlessly, and in so many ways.  Peace and bliss. They do it in some style.  

If you are observing, then my greetings and best wishes to you for a serene and successful holy month, may you find what you are looking for and draw closer to your spiritual goals. 

And if you're not, like me, then just dig into the food served at iftars, wherever you are. This is my time of the year to go haleem hunting. Peace and bliss of a different order entirely! :)


20 comments:

  1. I think it's quite beautiful. Makes me think of my wife.

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    1. I am beyond chuffed to hear that! It's the highest accolade for a love poem if it can make the reader think of his loved one. Hand on heart, thank you!!

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  2. Lovely, thank you for this

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    1. My pleasure entirely. Thank you for being here.

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  3. As I implied before, it doesn't matter that you're breaking rules. They're just that, rules, not laws. :) Your results are excellent.

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    1. They make a nice sharp sound too while snapping :) Thank you for the morale booster!

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  4. This is a heart-warming tribute to love. Thank you so much.
    The little things are HUGE in my world.
    I also loved 'austerity and introspection and prayer and joyfulness and exuberance can combine so seamlessly' I hope that seamless tapestry can cover the world.

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    1. Oh the little things are everything! in my world too...sadly the tapestry does not cover much distance now, some parts of the world seamlessly peaceful, others not so much...but, there's always hope.

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  5. Hi Nila - it's a beautiful poem which I can totally appreciate. Ramadan is something I need to know more about - especially reading your words here ...

    I have some of Paul Coelho books and need to read them again and study them as they encourage me to look deep within me ...

    Thanks for a beautiful poem "Peace and Bliss" - peace we need to work at in all our walks of life ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Need to work at peace in all walks of life - so true!

      Coelho's philosophy draws from the Islamic and Hindu scriptures/concepts. Enjoy the rereads, and thanks for being here.

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  6. I like your poem. "Boon" is such a great word, not used so much anymore.

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    1. Glad you liked it, thanks. Boon is a round, cupcake-y word - fits great in the mouth and ears :)

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  7. Serenity. You captured peace and bliss. Gentle moment

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  8. Lovely poem. I hope that soaking in the aura of Ramadan will inspire you to new poetic heights!

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    1. Thanks, Susan. What Ramadan undoubtedly does spike is an appetite for foods available only during this time :) ...poetry? haven't explored that connection so much, maybe I should :)

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  9. Such a beautiful poem, reflecting your beautiful heart, Nilanjana. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Thanks, Nicola! I take it jolie laide then with a missing fourteenth :)

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  10. Nila, I hope you're enjoying your time of the year to go haleem hunting. Beautiful prose re Ramadam. Enjoy that eating between sunset and sunrise.

    Denise :-)

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    1. Just getting into the swing of it :-) thanks, Denise.

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