Sounds Of Silence

By Banani Sikdar

Just when I try drifting off to sleep, silence gets friendly,

Tiptoes into ears, furthering into soul's vision lying subconsciously.

Like drumbeats, silence chases a panting me, sharp, clear,

Escaping the pit , bottomless, dark, I struggle, so full of fear.

Blackberries drop like dewdrops, mixed with coloured night,

I hear the shuffling of my skirt, mercerised, printed bright.

The jovial childhood buddies, cheer in silence loud,

My dad's voice, gentle, firm, calls me,

be home bound.

Shifting sides, tingles my mom's bangles, sleek, oriental.

Serving dishes converse in porcelain language, not colloquial.

Jolly family functions eve tease me with quirk spray of whispers,

Alert, I can't possibly miss out on any associate close, dear.

Wheels on tracks, screech, taking me to fancy destinations,

Birth, marriage, temple bells jingle in religious silence of fascination.

My womanhood sings fresh songs of glory, when silence brings forth,

Emotions moistened in love's adoration, marriage, motherhood sprouted henceforth.

Silent tears occasionally get audible in real sobbing,

A gentle nudge I feel, hear a voice gentle, affirming,

'It's ok. It's fine. You're just dreaming.'

Paradoxical? Oxymoronic?

No, Sounds of Silence are documented, overbearing.

By Banani Sikdar