Romance

Got thinking about you today
The elusive that you are,
Observed your play with hearts
From near and afar
You are the kiss of the red rose
The dew on the morning leaf
You flit on the butterfly wing
You are the glistening snowcliff
You are also the whispered vow
The curl of clasped hands
You are the soft hush of breath
Which on the lips lands
You are the flutter of the heart
On hearing the lover's name
You are the lowering of the lids
On thinking of  the same
Oh ! You wretched romance,
Residing that favourite book
You are the soft sunshine
Glittering on the brook
But you are an elusive one,
So gently do you tread
You play  a peek a boo
With my heart instead.

Tea

At the end of the busy day
As the menu drew to a close
Between the items on the menu card
A surprising challenge arose
The loftier sandwich roll
Nudged the donut aside
And the red velvet cake
Had the blueberry beside
They sat and they bragged
About who was the most choiced
Who got the max love
For whom taste buds rejoiced
The apple pie was squashed
So she had no face
And the burnt caramel pudding
Also bowed out of the race
It seemed as if today had been
The day of the chocolate ećlair
The day end sales register
Was declaring the winner fair
Brownie, ećlair and donut
Wore the smuggest look
Each went up on the podium
And a deep bow they took

When suddenly among the fare
A  steamy voice came up
'I stand a chance to win '
Said the humble tea cup.
'I may not ring in the cash
And make the register blue
But please hear me out,
I  am in the race too !'
'I bow to all delicacies. 
Accept my humble spot.
But, without a sip of me,
Many would like you not.
And the two young girls,
Who sat and sat today.
They drank many a cups
Coz they had so much to say.
Love and friendship blooms
Over a cup of tea.
Many walk into the shop
Just for a sip of me.'

'So, I may be down the list
Of this delicious spread
But, I am the first choice
Of many people instead.
Ask those two young girls
Who gossiped over me,
Who was the most loved?
And who the winner should be?'

The register raised a brow
At this touching speech
All eyes turned to her
For a decision to reach.
She shook her pages out
Said, "Hmmm, let's see...
After a lot of thought,
I declare the winner is 'tea' !!! "

The hallowed horns

Over the years I have built up my persona, the way a writer builds her characters. Giving it a desired shape and form, embellishing it with the best. My social self is a well worked upon sculpture which brings out the best of me.
Anyone from near or far will find something or the other to like,  or at least I like to believe so. The process is a continuous one, there is constant patting into place of any stray bristle of character.
But, at the end of the day, stripped clear of the facade, the bristles and horns emerge. The emotions screwed tight struggle out. Very few see me this way. Only the closest know the horns under my halo.
I always wonder about the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde view of life. I have them both inside, as I  am sure most do. I prefer to offer the softer version to the world, yet want to be loved for my rough side. The desire is for the closest coterie to not just accept, but also love me for my flaws. Wishful thinking, but when has the heart liked a simple life ?