In Grace

By Vanja Malathy

age advances
crazy thoughts confuse
my mind spins
thinking of my loved ones departing…

I shudder death in sleep
when I think of my father’s silent rest,
a sudden blackout
relates my aunt's final sleep,
muscles stiffen in numbing cramp
with memories of my uncle’s silent collapse,
an after meal bloating sensation
a fresh recall of my sister’s fate in commotion,
I shudder and go to rest
thinking of my companion’s cardiac arrest,
a sudden fall during a walk,
runs shivers into spine
thinking of my grandpa’s demise.

thoughts continue to
suffocate me,
a mental wreck
exhausted with helplessness
I toss in my bed.

It is dawn 
Apollo’s fiery chariot
makes its way across the sky
healing and bringing in a new hope.
and I fear no more
of my future.
as long as I leave this world in grace
with a heart in bloom
warmth on my smiling lips
I shall make life my dance
till I merge into the horizon
across the crimson hue.

Vanja Malathy has been an educator for many years in India till she settled down in the US two years back. Writing has seen a surge of emotions in her and a relief from stress. She feels that a woman can find mundane activities of life bring in a new lease of hope, if they can be caught into writing. Her prose and poetry have found a place in several journals and newspapers.