When Shadows Soften Poem by Ananta Madhavan

February advances, the shortest month this leaping year.
The aroma of spring, but the same day can show
Winter and summer compacted in a change of mood.

But there is rhythm in this our sun-blessed land.
I have observed how the light plays on shadows.
When dawn segues into the day, through colours

Beyond the rainbow seven and chromatic shades
That cannot be separated, there are variations
Outside a spectrum apparent to optics.

I have observed the blaze of light reveal
The outline of trees upon the tarmac
In starker contour, stronger coal-black;

But later hours before dusk, there is a softening,
As if a milder hand is intent to blur
The certitude of what the eyes perceive.

In spring I await a different mood and voice,
Not to cry Doomsday, nor to rejoice
In dreamy paradise, but to avoid the choice.


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Mysuru, Karnataka, India