Three Poems by M. Sridhar

1

Acts of Remembrance

Any act of remembrance

of someone close

who’s no longer there

builds bridges

not just across time

but across agreements and differences

nay even quarrels

you have had with her.

No matter what

no matter how long

memories bind us

across the sides of the bridge.

2

A Long-Distance Runner

I feel

I am like a long-distance runner

on my last leg

The end is not too far

yet it feels unending

No competitors

No rivals

A goal post no one has marked

A time no one has set

It’s all me

Me, all alone.

But–

Will I reach my destination?

Will I ever reach?

3
Ominous Forebodings

I remember

my mother who lived up to 95

grieving the death of her near and dear

especially those much younger

that reminded her of her own

lurking, impending, evading death.

A friend this morning

addressing her friend who passed away, said–

perhaps unconsciously–

‘Look out for all of us.’

Where?

Isn’t that scary?

But isn’t that true as well?

Or is she hitting the nail on its head?

Truth, as always, is hard hitting, isn’t it?

Questions leave

uncomfortable answers–

answers nevertheless!

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