FORTY WINKS

dance of the fireflies    In the realm between shadows and light, illusions dance,  A phantasm, a trick of sight.  Whispers draw me closer, clouding my mind,  Casting its spell, playing with my psyche. Mysterious, obscure, and deep. Embracing me in its warmth. Isn't love an illusion?  As is life.  Fleeting, frail, and magical like folklore.  I wander through this dreamlike land,  Light as a feather, tender as a teardrop. In twilight, when stillness stings,  A tapestry of yearning weaves its threads,  Each stitch is embellished with pleasures I want to know.  Isn't love an illusion?  As...

Phoenix   They said I had it all. I woke up on a bed of roses, without a worry in the world, as destiny smiled on me daily. Unaccountable wads of cash stuffed in my handbag, I roamed around the world. But there I was, lying on driftwood, floating far away from home, losing sight of my goals. They said I had it all. The heir, the progeny, and the lucky one— no one to ask, no one to tell. for some, I was a good catch; for the rest, I was an easy prey. And there I was, looking at the noose, taking it all in. Lonely, fearful, and abandoned while they devoured the cupcakes. They said I had it all. The spark found me, and now I am reunited with my soul— silencing the aching heart, shutting down the voices in my head. I will fly through the roof, reach for the stars, And have It all! I say I will have it all. Why not... !!

          ( This short story was selected in an online writing competition.)                                                                                                        Dear “M” Among the stacks of books, I noticed an old novel. Curious, I grabbed it up. The author was not celebrated, and the cover had a neon green text with the simple title "Dear M." I went up to the storekeeper to ask what the pricing was. "Take it as a gift; the novel has been waiting for you," he said, a smile showing through his wrinkles. I felt strange because the shopkeeper had never been so kind. Mom would take me shopping on my birthdays. She adored giving books as gifts, and I loved to read. However, I have paid the...