Sunday, October 06, 2013

8.3

he should have
cried
but he refused
smiling away the pain
that threatened to leap
out with his tears
those salty streams
that wound across your cheeks
and flatten the heart

8.3, they said
just a number, perhaps
(when the earth shook, violently)

he laughed
at the golden wreck
he once called
home

scales measure the quake
but never the ache


This Poem is shared with Imaginary Garden With Real Toads.



29 comments:

  1. Amrit, like a punch to the gut. ~ M

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  2. This is an interesting connection between the richter scale and the pain of heartache which you have explored.

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  3. That ending is really well done ~

    scales measure the quake
    but never the ache

    I can relate to the aftermath of the earthquake because I too have experienced it ~ Happy Sunday ~

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  4. This poem works literally and figuratively ... excellent.

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  5. Truly, a heart wrenching, and gut twisting poem...Pain can never be measured on any scale...

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  6. This is really thought-provoking Amrit. Very poignant yet subtly written. Well done :)

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  7. Speechless after reading this.... Bravo :)

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  8. Last 2 lines are at its best...
    Loved this Amrit :)

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  9. I like the image of a flat heart, in a gritty sort of way. And the paradox in a 'golden wreck'. Great ending!

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  10. OH. MY. The way you've combined the psychological and physical aspect of an earthquake is amazing.

    This poem makes one's heart beat faster.

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  11. its reminding me of an ad by al jajeera, earthquake not only causes national loss but also personal loss on a very high level.

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  12. The last two lines are simply brilliant Amrit, they tell the complete story...

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  13. Ah, the last lines.

    I was wondering what the title could mean when it showed on my dashboard. Totally worth the read.

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  14. Hit me hard, the last line. Well done :)

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