An evocative, soul-searching poem, by Anoucheka, exclusively for Different Truths.

The world, though peopled,  
Is an empty place, 
Surrounded by filthy air 
And murky waters 
All which allow me not to walk 
Upon my fated path 
But which have me treading 
In swampy marshlands inhabited 
By hungry crocodiles! 
 
The world is as empty as would feel 
A tramp sitting by the roadside 
And watching happy families 
Celebrating Christmas seated around 
Tables loaded with delicious food! 
 
Yet, in its emptiness, I had found my peace. 
In the haven that filled up the chest 
Carrying the heart of love, 
Yes, I had found not only my peace. 
But also, my meaning, my purpose, 
And the hand to hold on to 
While paddling from the swampy marshlands 
To safe and secure drylands! 
 
But then, 
Even the embodiment of love 
Had spat upon my face, 
Words so harsh, that they have killed 
Any sense of belonging that I had nurtured! 
 
And now, 
Imbibed with celestial magic, 
I float in the marshlands, 
And I rule the crocodiles 
Fearing neither them, 
Nor the emptiness of the world, 
For they have all 
Become the blank page 
Upon which I bleed of my poetry! 

Visual by Different Truths

Anoucheka Gangabissoon

Anoucheka Gangabissoon is a primary school educator in Mauritius. She writes poems and short stories on a wide range of subjects. She publishes regularly on online poetry sites and manages her own poetry blog. She has published a collection of poems in print, in her country, titled “Awakened Fancies.”

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