Subtle



Withdraw, says my heart.

Time to stand back and be alert

To the subtleties of human nature,

To the undulations of every feature.

Silent and observant, the spirit,

Detached yet ready for debate.

Mind and heart would overflow

With sensitivity none ‘d know.

The spirit no more bruised

By what one said or did.

The body no more poised

To obey what others expected.


One neither resents the barbs

Nor waxes high at laurels.

Life is just a savannah

A green and gracious chutzpah.



A poem by Jaya Lakshmi Rao V.