‘The Curfew Tolls The Knell…’
(With apologies to Thomas Gray)
(An early poem for 2023)
The years go by
As they always do,
But what do I have
To show for each?
Have I learnt something
Have I taught something
Will my eyes stay bright,
My heart true blue?
Did I touch a soul
when I held a hand
Was someone here
to wipe my tears?
Did my feet help
light an unlit path
Did someone do
the same for me?
Have we got closer
to each other
Or did we create
mere distances?
Do the words we say
Build a bridge,
Or destroy those that
Already exist?
Did we use fire to forge a sword,
Or help light up a dark life:
Did our words offer balm,
Or were they a bane in someone’s life?
Have we been so caught up with external disease,
That we paid no heed to internal rot
Did we learn to forgive, be tolerant,
Or have we allowed hate to fester within?
Has this year helped me love myself
And has this love helped me love others, too?
ⓒ 2022 Suma Narayan. All Rights Reserved.
In eternal gratitude to these warriors who help me on bad days and negative spaces:
Nancy Blackman, MASF for her blessings, positivity and compassion:
Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, for her smiles, her humour and her gentleness:
Margie Willis Willis for her [[[hugs]]], her spunk and her sass:
