Mystery Lady Poem by Gita Ashok

She’s a twenty-first century novelist beyond compare.
While reading her novels, I’m always there –
watching in horror –
the suspense and terror
unleash in every spine-chilling plot
that she does so brilliantly concoct.

All her characters are fictitious –
mere figments of her imagination.
But she so cleverly manages
to infuse into them –
life, hope and a mission
taking their dreams to fruition.

Every page that I read
sends my adrenaline rushing.
But to know who the criminal is –
she skillfully keeps me guessing.
While I’m reading her novel, I put all things on hold
and blissfully tend to forget the rest of the outside world.

A keen observer of all routine acts of everyday life -
with compassion, she describes suffering, pain and strife.
Her protagonists are invariably women
known for their courage, patience and acumen.
She writes typically in a gripping style
enmeshing a sensational plot filled with guile.

She describes so realistically every little aspect
that I can easily hear the wild wind blow,
see from the window the gentle falling snow,
feel the heat of the raging fire,
smell the waft of the flowering vine
and taste the tartness of the vintage wine.

In every novel from start to finish,
she takes me on a thrilling journey -
steeped in terror, suspense and mystery.
So easily she makes me forget
the happenings in my own territory
when I am ensnared in her captivating story.

My heart beats faster,
my eyes forget to blink,
my stomach begins to churn
with every page that I turn.
And the moment I think all is fine –
a chill begins to run down my spine.

Though all her novels focus on
deceit, hatred and crime,
family values they do always entwine –
a mother’s love, a father’s determination,
a sibling’s care, a grandmother’s affection,
a husband’s commitment, a wife’s devotion.

With an insatiable feeling, the more I read
the more she makes me want to read.
In my mind her literary work
never fails to ignite a spark.
Can you guess who this mystery lady is?
She’s none other than Mary Higgins Clark.

9 July 2010
11: 25 am