The Goddess and the Devotee

I wrote this poem in 1984, 16 years old. It describes the foolish games we often play in love, afraid to be vulnerable and authentic. Compare this poem to Verse to a God (1985) and To Ashish (1986) with their similar themes of love and pain.

He offered the verses

Of his youth

At my altar –

Offered his soul

Everlasting devotion.

And I was

A stone goddess

Who could not be satisfied

With these humble offerings.

Oh, then when my devotee

Turned his face away

Turned into a non-believer

I awoke

From my divine slumber

And became a woman.

So now I offer

The verses of my youth

At his altar

Ask for clemency and love

And think of the warmth of his shrine.

Oh, God –

What games we mortals play!

Vanita Shukla Hork, 1984

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