You presumed I missed
that malicious glint
in your eyes
the smirk
in the corner of your lips
while you were busy
in your attempt
to numb my soul
spray fears
and toll the bell so untimely.
No.
I saw everything.
Sorry, Death.
Faith is hard to shake.
You failed
to make me your perfect victim
to wail day in and day out.
I still Stand.
And
I thank you
for teaching me forbearance
and opening my inner eye
to look within.
Posted for Susan’s Midweek Motif ~ Bullying @ Poets United
sumanar/lekha 
Beautifully said Sumana.. life indeed is a big bully threatening us with death!
Ouch! The grace in this stance is beyond words.The strength in this grace is a gift you reveal. Not to say it isn’t ironic as well. An amazing poem that I will keep forever.
There is a towering strength in this poem – strong, majestic..resilient.. to be the victim of anything is regrettable – to find the strength to overcome it – admirable
This is a remarkable poem, Sumana. Indeed Death is a big bully. Your poem is a poem of strength, and it takes a strong person not to let Death win.
I think Death is so many things, a tease, a soother, a lover even enticing us but in the end like all bullies he will insist on getting his own which he usually does. What a defiant poem this is.
Such a wise and profound write Sumana ❤
Lots of love,
Sanaa
This is strangely powerful …. the sharpness of words….the poise…the oozing confidence… Loved reading !
Oh, the strength and grace you show as you walk your path, Sumana, is an inspiration. This is a wonderful poem, “I still Stand.” Yes, you do, and I applaud you.
A very beautiful poem, Sumana, but I disagree with you, on your stance towards Death. For Death is, the ultimate expression of balance, which no one can escape. In seeing, no economic, societal or caste position, of an individual. I can see, how someone may view Death, as a “bully”, in taking a love one, before their time, from us. But so can, life, be viewed, in a similar manner, in prolonging the agony of one’s suffering, without end.
All a matter of perception!
The biggest bully of all, always wins, but at least we can control our approach and outlook. Great subject!
I understand your fine words. Sometime the ?promise of untimely death is with us – yet we fight back and win. And I would fight back too – I am not yet ready to leave this Earth.
Kind regards
Anna :o]
i like that this went in an entirely unexpected direction…
Great when we defeat the wrong & win! Positive poem.
May all emerge victorious this way.