To Ashish

I wrote this poem in 1986, 18 years old. The theme is heartbreak and the poem ends in a painful chant of disillusionment, denouncing love. Compare this poem to Verse to a God (1985), with its similar theme of a young yet cruel love.

There comes a time

In each man’s life

When he stands alone

As at birth

All alone

As in death.

There comes a time

In each man’s life

When he dies

His ultimate death

And lives in all

But the soul.

Love is the death

Which awaits us all

Love is that which kills

Not that which gives birth.

Love is that which seduces

And that which forsakes.

Love is that which maims

Love is that which cripples.

Love is that which reduces one

To a self-piteous fool.

And I have loved you.

Vanita Shukla Hork, 1986

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.