The Void Poem by Anuradha Bhattacharyya

Home alone, eerie silence,
Exercise, study, online surfing;
Two together, sex;
I was told not to venture out
To meet friends:
Work, party, games,
None of it entertain;
Live in the void
With a pet, perhaps, if I'm lucky…

This way, the fear of nothing,
The urge to rescue others,
People-pleasing and chastising
Me for selfish ends, emerge.

I will not look for love
In the void, I vow. Nor look for
Excessive food, intoxicants,
Cushioned existence.
Don't I have any talent?
Sing, compose a song
On man's innocence
And nature's revenge -
Perhaps in self-aggrandizement?
Yes, it works where chastisement
Comes in millions.