Close To Paradise Poem by Rajesh G Pandharpurkar

Whenever the Sun rises from the far east
And sets in the deep west,
I think I am close to Paradise!

When the birds chirp and the cuckoos sing,
I think I am close to Paradise.

When I feel the coldness from the moon,
My eyes close instantly and I slip into cheerful dreams and then,
I think I am close to Paradise!

These thoughts drag me into the depths of
Heaven’s fantasies, consoling my hurt soul.

It makes me feel so light! !
Oh so light! !
That I could fly! !

But then suddenly something dreadful happens,
The axe of hatred and vice snaps the rope of virtue and goodwill
And then I begin to wonder:

“was it a dream? ? Or was I just close to Paradise! ! ”

--Rajesh G Pandharpurkar
© RGP Creations

[1995]