Standstill – Sneha Mishra

Standstill

Sneha Mishra

As the world comes to a standstill

Coming to terms with a silent abyss Countless minds begin their own torment For thoughts in isolation are much harder to dismiss

Time has become nothing but an illusion Remnants of past moments not celebrated enough Warm hugs, cups of coffee missed too much Fleeting moments of love and connection,

The beautiful and healing power of human touch

I awaken to another post in the digital maze Alerting me to the enduring turmoil Unable to discern news from fiction

Another day for my mind to subconsciously toil

I call my family across the country, 4000 kms away Countless hugs away Several closed borders away But, comfortingly, just one phone call away

This shared tragedy binds us Though we may not be able to hold hands It poignantly reminds us Despite everything, strength in unity still stands

So I tell myself, dear me

As the world grapples with the truth And fear sometimes engulfs compassion May you remember to look beyond your own pain For greed only leaves hearts cold and faces ashen

May you be there for those in need And use your words kindly, to heal

May you keep loving and dreaming For hope is the only way through this ordeal