That I Am

Vidya Shankar, a widely published Indian poet, writer, editor, English teacher, and a “book” in the Human Library, says poetry is not different from her. The recipient of literary awards and recognition, she uses the power of her words to sensitise her readers about environmental issues, mental health, and the need to break the shackles of an outdated society. Vidya is the author of two poetry books, The Flautist of Brindaranyam (in collaboration with her photographer husband, Shankar Ramakrishnan), and The Rise of Yogamaya (an effort to create awareness about mental health.) She finds meaning to her life through yoga and mandalas.

- Vidya Shankar

Astride my pet Thestral

I course through the grey nimbus

Its dense whispers of vapors

Humming notes of cheeriness into my ears

A supernatural, luminous chill embraces me

Enhancing the colorful aura of freedom

Radiating about me.

Thus awakened with spiritual contentment

I fly back to my four walls

To my earthly everyday

I have, in this lifetime

Embraced death

Makes me value the preciousness

Of every minute

Cry I do not, anymore

Of lockdown claustrophobia —

That anguish, that yearning for freedom

Was but a reflection