Portrait of Dignity

I wrote this poem in 1984, age 16. It describes the dignity with which one can bear one’s pain, even if one cannot hide it entirely. Compare this poem to The Flame (1985). The painting is by my mother, the artist Kusum Shukla.

I stand alone in the shadows

Dressed in the black robes

Of sobriety and solitude –

The veil of unhappiness

Covers my youthful face

And I look to the mirror

Of Life –

I see myself –

A portrait of dignity.

My graceful carriage

Speaks of endurance

My smile –

Of painful acceptance.

My eyes are eloquent

And I look into myself

I see –

A portrait of dignity.

No artist

Could have done this better

Than Pain

With the master’s hand.

There is no weakness here

Only bold strokes

Enriching the canvas of Life.

And there I stand

Enshrouded in Destiny,

And they call it

A portrait of dignity.

Vanita Shukla Hork, 1984

If you liked this poem, you will enjoy my book Memories from another Lifetime: Pain.  Available on Amazon, free on KindleUnlimited. Please do leave a review.