The Jewel

It was the 4 and 1/2 year old,

Who first received the Jewel.

Little did she know-

What it was

Much less, give it a name! 

All she knew was how it moved,

in her breath,

and her body,

and through the dark clouds 

in her head. 

Nobody else knew these lands,

where her breath gasped-

and her body weighed down.

Adults and caretakers,

Vendors and neighbours-

Everybody around,

Yet none present

In the land of the Jewel. 

Until one day--

She heard the Koel; 

He reached over,

the great distance of the small street,

From the garden across-

And cut through the clouds! 

Coo-oo! 

Her breath eased... 

Coo-oo! 

Her body lightened.... 

And the Jewel at her Heart,

Illumined brightly. 

The only Jewel-

that she needs adorn,

the 45-year old realises! 

The only Jewel,

that has kept her sane 

And real and honest - 

The Jewel of Loneliness. 

The loneliness that recognises

The futility of seeking,

Human hands to make true love. 

That loneliness which waits,

For the Koel's call - 

Knowing that the birdsong

harkens to the Love 

Beneath all loves.