It was spring when she gave birth to her children
Colour and splendour in her lap, joy abound
They grew up fast; green and glowing
Blessed by the rays of the star
When the time was right, she told them a story
A tale about a hideous monster who robs the world of its hues
Turning it white and cold
“He is not alone,” she said
“Monsters have companions too
Before the coward makes an appearance
His wife sucks all the little souls
Staining the world with her nails, yellow and red
Until they wither and fall
She’s the one who took your brothers
And sisters who came before you
I have witnessed so many children of mine
Turn pale before my eyes
And perish at my feet
Little fragments of my self swept away for ever
“Then the monster creeps in
Slowly, stealthily
The winds carry his odour
To warn me of what is to come
I prepare for the harsh battle
I can never let him win
When he comes to face me
I stand firm against him
He applies all his artillery and force
For days and days on end
Despite every blow of his
I bow not to his might
Often wounded, but never vanquished
“I’ve turned frail and old now
But hope springs eternal within me
Promise me, my children
You will be ready
You will not leave my side
Together we will trounce him and his companion
I may not bear more losses.”
Frank Solanki 