Birth
By Sandeep Kumar Mishra

 

The tabooed essence of primordial birth
unfolds in the labyrinth of the unknown,
as if a symphony of blood cells dancing
in the sacred space of human fabrication.
Where time bends and breathes only
in the rhythm of divine existence,
a fragile vessel of flesh and bone moves
the soul bound by the thin thread of mortality

 

On the sharp axis of the four walls,
the earth rotates in the waves of pain,
the alternating current of moisture and drought,
causing the bud to blossom and eventually drop.
With listening the calm symphony of agony,
she seeks solace in the strength of his presence,
because the gestation of time's elusive grasp,
conceals the enigma of life's first cry.

 

Her bony spiral patterns now facing
the vast expanse of the universe,
now she will take rest alongside all
the mushrooms that have gathered at her door.
Each heartbeat a cadence of grace,
a sonnet whispered by the universe's mouth,
but when I look at your open palms
I don’t find a single line like her hands have.

 

Sandeep Kumar Mishra from India is an outsider artist, a poet and a lecturer. He is the editor at Indian Poetry Review. His accolades include the "Vedvyas Award-2022", “Poiesis Award-2022”, "Readers Favorite Award-21", "Indian Achievers Award-21", “IPR Poetry Award-2020” and “Literary Titan Book Award-2020”." among others. His work has been shortlisted for 'Plough Prize-24',Fish Prize-24', “The Next Generation Story Award-24”, "2023 Commonwealth Story Prize," "2021 International Book Awards," and "52nd New Millennium Award-2021,"MPT Story Award-2022' and 'Newcastle Story Award-2022" and "Anasi Story Award-2022" and "Independent Press Award-2022" and "IAN Book Award 2022"