Seena Sreevalson, INDIA

THE MISSION

The predatory bands,

Trapped my alphabet.

Immutable souls caged.

The dark thick iron bars,

Whistled all nights.

Illuminated spirits,

Bleached dreamless nights.

Agony shrieked the deep silence,

Unfettered the bleeding life.

My stretched arms,

Overflowing breasts,

Whirl pooled the brain.

And the first arrow was shot.

WHEN MY HAIR CAUGHT FIRE

Was it when you scornfully laughed

Or licked with your eyes

I don’t remember

The volcano spouted smoke.

But when I realized your lecherous words

Those thirsty arms and greedy eyes

Orbiting me

My volcano erupted

The wounded soul gushed out

Burning flames washed the pain

Tongues of blaze swallowed the inhibitions

Then

You and your words are nothing

But a scar cursed never to fade.

THE PROS AND CONS

My hair is white

Though it shines black

My skin is very light

But you may wonder its depth

My smile is so scornful

Even if it looks pretty

My hands are too rough

Even though you feel spongy

My body is remarkably hot

Dare not to touch it

My heart is very cruel

it can be dangerous.

Seena Sreevalson is a poet, translator and editor from Kerala, India. She writes poetry in English and Malayalam. Her major themes include feminine sensibilities, nature, ecological issues and social issues. She has presented her poems in several national and international poetry fests. Her poems have also been featured in many international poetry anthologies. She is a teacher by profession and also a classical dancer who experiments in visual aspects of poetry. She has compiled and edited an anthology ‘The Current’ which showcases poems from 40 nations across the Globe She was the Festival Director of the Prime Poetry Festival, Kerala 2019.

---

Women, Power & Creativity :: Setu, March 2019