By Preethi Khiran
The peace of the night ends
With the opening of a door,
Like the timid quiet and strained silence
Couldn't wait to break free.
I step into the magician's threshold,
My eyes taking it in all at once,
Drawn by the promises of the place,
Mesmerized by the curiosities that lie within.
A trick of the eyes, I remind myself,
Every glance a delirious dream.
But the magician knows his players,
And his grip reigns over all control.
I feel his illusions taking effect
As I am guided to my daylight dwelling,
A place captivating with its simple luxury,
A place threatening to undo me.
My deadlines draw closer,
With every sleepless dawn,
As my dreary eyes search for clues;
A way to the end.
The line between reality and fiction
Slims with every clue,
And the starry, still night
Comes alive, bright and new.
The earlier bleak shades of grey
Turn into the lush colours of a carousel,
It's deceptive glamour pulling me
Towards the magician's final trick.
My dress glows with blue sequins
As I sit up on a river bank.
The magician looks at me with piercing eyes,
But his lips curve into a smile.
The game has finally ended,
Oh, the magician's manipulations too...
He hands me my prize,
And walks away with silent strides.
Tears stream down my cheeks, looking
At the surreal object in my hand;
Its world of magic offering a quest
Yet again for me to journey in.