Creative Guncha

The Accident Wounded and bleeding he was wheeled in. Eyes swollen, vision blurred, head reeling. Zigzag gashes on cheeks, eyes and lips, Emergency protocol in place. Smell of scrubs and disinfectants overpowering Cosmetics of concern, dermatologist was called in. Lady in starched white doctor’s coat entered. One look at the victim and she staggered, A lapse so momentary that one would doubt it happened ! Composed now, suturing him, first aid she gave him Giving a week for recovery and skin grafting, she left him. Alone in her den Her memory evoked Their school bus she remembered The victim hectoring Her dark and freckled appearance ! Thankful now for the Accident that brought her face to face With the man who for so long in her memory had gnawed her ! Recovered enough for skin graft, The man now for the first time saw her. Recognition dawned on him Shock, denial, acceptance then repentance !!! Accidental was their meeting The Accident was his Redemptio...

The Ring! With hugs of joy, Promise of a love lasting a lifetime, A million dollar smile, The two souls tied a knot in a union divine. To spend a life of love, health and passion. But the tides of time can turn in a blink of an eye ! On an unforgiving stormy night, Disaster struck with might. As sailing in an ocean serene, Their sailboat capsized! The lovers were justified In pledging faithfulness after death, as in life. As the damsel petite frightened, quivered all night. Drenching wet the young man stood bold. In adversity taking a firm hold. Swimming with his beloved, he drifted ashore. The unfamiliar island, wet, and cold. Distraught, the young man fought To keep warm his beloved and her spirit buoyant yet calm. He wrapped his arms around her neck in a RING ! There the rescue boat found them in the morn, Two angels, unconscious, serene. Arms wrapped tightly around each other’s neck Forming inseparable loops of life, their RINGS of Love and Securit...

PARADISE Square den clouded with smoke Rock star lying wasted, doped ! Abrupt shock of colours geometrically aligned, Hexagons upon hexagons forming a labyrinthine tunnel, Sucking him weightlessly into the labyrinth. Sudden calm followed by the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Then memory induced by an old melody, that first rain and petrichor ! The dopamine played havoc As the rock star reached a high, his PARADISE ! His breathing laboured, skin dull, lips black ! Euphoria from addiction lasting till his next drag ! The peace, calm and serenity Attained after a productive day Spent tilling the land One with nature, seed to sapling The Alchemist looked radiant Tanned, baked in the sunlight His sleep quiescent, his thoughts tangible No dreams to cloud His world real, his PARADISE sublime ! Dr. Guncha Gupta 9/03/2020

Geisha Deciduous like a willow Graceful, subtle Painted she stands An artist grand. Pleasantly in her haven What a maven ! Adorning a kimono A Japanese beacon. Soft and tender Magic she weaves Her countenance gentle Yet time she can freeze ! Skilfully entertaining mannequin like sprite Witty and intelligent with equal ease. Spiritedly pouring spirits She flirts, Oh! What a tease ! Her lips parted in a pout Eyes, discreet ! Bejewelled minimally to awaken all senses Tormenting, suggestive, yet never  free ! Dr. Guncha Gupta 3/3/2020

Gandhi A thought, a vision, a power, a weapon, A debate, an illusion, a truth, a rebellion A leader, a lawyer or a stooge ! A soul, a body or superb imagination. A man, a nation’s need - pressing and urgent. An idol born to unshackle a people Liberate the enslaved, Strengthen the cripple. A force to reckon with Polite yet firm. A rising tide against apartheid, atrocities and unjust taxation. Ahimsa, Satyagrah and Independence Movements from a nation meek Against all the British cheek Synonymous now with Mahatma, Father of the Nation A man who conceived the idea of Harijans Stood for unity and freedom Peaceful in life Truthful in death Accidental his consent to national division ? Dr. Guncha Gupta 2/3/2020

Coercion ! While he strives to protect the lot Of his country, a geographic spot, Unmindful of his cuts and wounds With unsightly events his mind’s consumed. Heart heavy and a blemished soul, Unwavering strength he still can dole. For a noble woman awaits his return, Filled with anguish and concern. For her son, a precious soul Straight featured, taciturn ! There is so much she wishes to convey, To this hardened world some day. Of perseverance and sacrifice, Of anticipations and parting cries ! Her mind is full. At her heart strings she pulls. Bridling them to stay on course, Pretending courage, her throat hoarse, From secret cries, Some useless tries Of negotiations with Almighty. Oh what a price ! She trades and barters In her mind she charters, A flight to the unforeseen land. If only her precious can be returned In place of her, She’s turned a Marchand ! Offering everything she possibly can, Her prayers unanswered With hardened heart she now ...

Meditation! Searching for peace, Posture yogic, eyes shut. I sit in meditation, My soul attempting to rebut A world full of perfect lines, Standing, slanting, sleeping, That form giant skyscrapers. Dark sky fuming, With smoggy grey clouds, Raring to engulf human souls ! Deep in meditation still, Attempting to block out the world mean. Carving a niche deeper, In the blades of grass green. Intently exhaling the fumes, Involuntarily inhaling deep the toxins ! Pretending now to achieve A state of yogic dream. Of exuberant colours, Red, yellow, orange and cream; Subtle alchemy to turn the air clean, Like a mentalist working unseen. Sudden peals of laughter from teens, Gossiping nearby sitting in teams. Breaking me out of my reverie, And my pretend dream. Of music crescendoing, Air fresh and clean ! My eyes slightly opening To slits that detect Another human being. Close by in the lanes and lanes, Of rich vehicles parked, A visibly bored cyclist sl...