Seasons of Love

In the first flush of spring

love unfurls

in two hearts that zing

as romance sings 

the tune of birdsong

Under the summer sun

passion ignites 

setting scented skin 

aflame with desire 

engulfing two souls

Vibrant shades of fall

colour the bond

with russet and gold
as feelings grow
and sink deep roots

A crisp winter's day
unites lovers
forever as heaven
showers blessings
in pure pristine white

© 2013 Uma Venkatraman ~ All Rights Reserved

No Getting Away

I rush on to the platform 

with a minute to spare

I know I must get away

I don't care where

I jump on to the train

That’s about to leave

I hope it’s a long journey

I need time to grieve

As the wheels turn and gather pace

The scene begins to blur outside

Is it the speed of the train

Or do my tears obscure the sight

The tracks run on through the dark

mirroring the blackness inside

The carriages rattle and sway

Masking the silence that I hide

I got off life’s merry-go-round

And got on for a ride of another kind

I wanted to go as far as I can

And clear the cobwebs of my mind

But I realize there’s no getting away

From all your problems and cares

Even if you go to the end of the earth

They will still follow you there

So I get off at the next station

And cross to the opposite platform

I know I’ll find all the answers

When I make my way back home


© 2013 Uma Venkatraman ~ All Rights Reserved

Secrets

A secret walks 
the tightrope 
of trust 
high above 
the valley 
of silence 

Leaving 
the embrace 
of soul's soil 
it teeters 
grows stronger 
with each step 
across the chasm 

Warm gusts 
of steamy 
temptations 
rock a balance 
painstakingly 
acquired 
from years 
of walking 
a fine line 
between 
too much telling 
and not enough 

Will a secret 
stay hidden 
or spill its seeds 
burying 
a relationship 
under its 
dead weight

© 2013 Uma Venkatraman ~ All Rights Reserved

Sometimes...

Sometimes you don't need
a flaming torch to show you the way
The flickering light from a lamp
is enough

Sometimes you don't need
a blazing fire to warm your heart
A gentle hug from a friend
is enough

Sometimes you don't need
riches galore to live a good life
A loving family and a happy home
is enough

Sometimes you don't need
luck to get what you want
Faith in your ability and hard work
is enough

Sometimes you don't need
to wander far and wide to find fulfilment
Just looking into your soul
is enough

Sometimes you need to know
the more you hold on
the less you have
and sometimes,
you just need to let go

© 2013 Uma Venkatraman ~ All Rights Reserved

The Thaw

A heart so cold 
it is warmed 
by the touch  
of frosty splinters 
A frozen wasteland 
of neglect  
buried in disdain’s 
snowy drifts 
it struggles 
to draw breath 

Somewhere 
in its sluggish beats 
memories 
of warmer climes 
keep it alive 
but only just enough 
to remember a time 
when it soared 
on the wings of love 
rode the warm currents 
of affection 
As passion’s fire 
ran in its veins 
it roared 
pumped 
leapt 
in the throes 
of fiery lust 

Now it waits 
devoid of affection 
in this unending 
barren landscape 
It longs to thaw 
with a tender touch 
melt in a blazing embrace 
bask in ardour’s warmth 
burn in desire’s flames 
explode in incandescent heat 
then dissolve 
like the ice 
around it 


© 2013 Uma Venkatraman ~ All Rights Reserved

Wishful Thinking

Spent a lifetime wishing away what I had

and wanting what I didn't

A huge house with lots of space

and not the cramped little flat I lived in

A rich dad with an important job

Not a poor mom struggling to put pennies in the tin

Even longed for straight hair as mine was curly

and curves because I was stick thin

If only I had beautiful new clothes

And not faded hand-me-downs

I gazed with envy at well-dressed friends

Who attended every event in brand-new gowns

I wished I could continue studying

And not have to look for a job

But I had to work to pay my own way

So I'd just bury my face in my pillow and sob

I never realised I had much more

than most other people ever got

A decent meal, clean clothes and a loving home

And happiness that couldn't be bought 

Now there's grey in my hair and wrinkles on my face

And when I look back with wisdom I can see

Day to day it had seemed an unending slog

But life has actually been very good to me


© 2013 Uma Venkatraman ~ All Rights Reserved

Nocturnal Romance

Darling you can't scare me 
Even if you tried
Come after me if you want 
I won't run and hide

I'll be home alone this evening
That's the best time of all
Just float in through the window
When you're in, just call

If I don't come running
Just put up your feet and chill
I'll probably be getting dressed
readying for the kill

Don't get all fidgety now
You've got nowhere to go
You have all the time in the world
to take it nice and slow

I'll come and stand in front of you
With my hands on my hips
A deep red painted on my mouth
That longs for the touch of your lips

So what are you waiting for honey
Kiss me and hold me tight
Hurry up my charming prince
You may turn into a frog at midnight


© 2013 Uma Venkatraman ~ All Rights Reserved