Breathe

The howling wind swept away fallen leaves.

The ones that were part of the branches quivered in fear, the rustle sounded like a murmur of last wish.

The moving cloud that tapped its foot in merriment now stood still.

The Sun hid behind the looming grey clouds.

Shadows disappeared from the ground.

There was nothing alive, and none to witness my death.

My eyes caught sight of her.

From the chariot, she descended.

Flanked by caparisoned elephants, she strode like a lioness.

The Earth sent tremors as she took every step.

The sound of her anklet went as far as the edge of the world.

Disquiet shrouded the place. Silence wrapped the world around me. 

My knees begged for surrender. Forehead burned in agony.

Her fierce look pierced my heart.

Fear invaded me.

I looked into the eyes of death and saw mine shutting down.

From rejuvenated clouds, raindrops emerged. The dead one, a manure for new life.

Shoots emerged from branches, flowers bloomed, clouds danced to the rhythm of gentle breeze.

Seasons took over.

The Sun appeared in the clear sky. Freshness filled the place. 

And, the cycle of life has begun in the race to death.

---