The Canvas of Life

a poem by Urmila Mahajan

Look out the window with eyes of fire
Scorch every scene that you view
Singed dreams, ashen desire
Charred emptiness surrounds you.

Open your door to the magic of moonlight
Let it flood every crevice and space
Balanced serenity, calm insight
The world seems a tranquil place.

Dull with the weight of dreary depression
View life through a tear-streaked pane
Days pass in cold succession
Every breath is an unwelcome strain.

Sing with your heart full of sunshine
Bloom with each shower of rain
Why harbour dark thoughts in your mind
When you won’t chance this way again?

Life is an ever-widening canvas
Recording impressions with ease
Splash your colours with care as you pass
It’s your only masterpiece.