Merely Alive
©February 7th, 2018
By Vijaya Sundaram
Look below the ice.
Lying deep in the glacier,
Your face looked at me.
I was asleep then.
Not awakened to the world.
Sleepwalking slowly.
Your gaze is open
Reflecting back a noon sky
When were you alive?
You are a spectre
You never walked on this earth
Whence did you emerge?
And why do you stare?
I am not responsible.
I’m merely alive.
I cook, I drive, yes.
I wear clothes, use paper, yes.
I’m merely alive.
I buy books, use gas.
I cannot drop out, can I?
I’m merely alive.
Your glassy gaze shifts.
Your glassy gaze shifts.
Ice films over with water,
Cracks. You cry in rage.
Ice begins to melt
Burning winds blow over me.
I awake at last.
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