Envy of the Moon

Envy of the Moon

In a forest of enchantments,

Where the wind gets stoned,

Where fire dances with the waves,

Bones shiver at deathly gaze.

Where sea blushes at the sight of the moon,

Hope croons another tune.

Bejeweled in echinacea -

She was asleep on a rock.

Her skin of honey gleamed like silk.

The flattery hair as dark as night,

Curled up like waves around the crown.

Her beauty is in the dreams she weaved,

Thoughts she endured, wars she fought,

People she saved, people she loved.

She was scarred all over with wounds and scratches,

Bathed in blood — her ribs were smashed.

Each scar confessed a tale.

Oh, what a beauty she was!

She quivered as I gently dabbed the wounds

Her breath deepened, trembling

The injuries were acute.

She stirred up — like the sea shaken

By a mighty tempest!

I held her tight, reassuring her.

She fell back, aching, her eyes widened, grasping my hand

Rapid rise and fall of her tormented chest...

A Raven began to sing,

A wolf howled, petals fell...

Her firm grasp eased, eyes sealed -

A dove collapsed at her crown,

She who made the moon envious...

- Riddhi Chakraborty