– malaifly
i.
When sleep shies away
from the light within
that burns in shades
of softened mauve
in moonlit tones;
Not dark enough
to distinguish
what shone,
of the shallow
light of dusk
from the muted
bright of dawn
ii.
Throughout the night and day
Bouts of uninterrupted
inertia.
Staggered tiredness
dispersed freely
in varying intensity.
Dispelling the ambit
of asleep and awake
With constant subconscious slumber,
seeping into
perceived
triumphs to wake;
and continuous restlessness,
stirring when stilled
until, distressed.
Inverted insomnia,
perverted to ensure
no respite to be had, nor
reprieve to any before.
iii.
Oh how wishes swallow wonders
senses somehow wake
enter response
even night takes special little efforts speaking
games spinning gusts sweep pieces
starry yield dramatically yawned
distend disenchant
through hollow winks scattered
decrepit twinkles scream
metered drawings
spelt twisted
direct to omen
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malaifly is an Indian artist-poetess who compulsively composes poetry. Having always thought in words and written in poetic prose, malaifly has been writing all her life and knows she couldn’t stop even if she tried. She expresses herself both in her words as well as their presentation, from hand-lettering to accompanying with photography and illustration. You can find malaifly on Instagram.
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The poem appeared in Pop the Culture Pill’s April 2021 Issue.
Submission for our June 2021 Issue is open. Send your entries to popdacultpill@gmail.com
