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Smells, Sounds And Sights On The Morning Of An English Exam

Updated: Feb 15, 2024

By Indira Penubolu


I myself am far removed,

Lost somewhere on Ithacan isles.

Being tossed about,

amidst pirate ships

When kitchen smells make me cough…

As Hecuba has the last laugh.


The pressure cooker hisses,

As Lot’s Wife blows goodbye kisses,

To her beloved city,

Remaining the least of our losses.


Water gurgles down the drain

As a Jew complains

Of prophecies that bind,

Of Auschwitz and trains.



The seasoning sputters 

Red chilli and garlic;

Pungent, Curry leaf and mustard,

As books are burnt

And the worthier ones ignored.


Into the kitchen I peep.

Steam rises in heaps.

Around the pan hungry flames leap,

As a lover, for his lost beloved weeps.


The deed is done.

The war has been fought-

Lost and won,

Bodies in shattered glass bloodied,

While the dishes are with clear water cleansed…

The rest I leave in choice.


The food is a feast,

I fill my plate.

(My palate is pleased)

Its time to take the test,

To reveal: to print the slate.

( I hope I don’t regret)


By Indira Penubolu



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Padma AK
Padma AK
Feb 14, 2024
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Very touching layers of meaning in the poem.

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Shubhangi Laxmi
Shubhangi Laxmi
Feb 13, 2024
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Wow. Lovely imagery.

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Sumi Vadlamani
Sumi Vadlamani
Feb 13, 2024
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Amazing poetry

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Rajeshwari Marda
Rajeshwari Marda
Feb 13, 2024
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Vivid imagery

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Subhadra Suri
Subhadra Suri
Feb 12, 2024
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Each stanza presents vivid imagery adding layers of meaning. Lovely indu 👏

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