POETRY : Love is Love by Neha Chawla

Where is Cupid? 

Is he still here? Chasing us with an arrow filled with doses of love.

Every shot making us feel truly in love. 

But how much do we love?

Love is technically paraphrased as the art of making one another feel that you are there.

It makes you feel complete and pumps up your adrenaline levels to the max.

Dream filled eyes

You changed my world

From deep down like a fire

My feelings emerged

I admitted my love

We surmounted every barrier

Time tested us every now and then

We kept paying debts of hatred and pain

Finally, love subdued all of it

Acceptance made us even stronger

Love is love they say..

Gentle eyes tiny toes

My little star you’ve taken my pregnancy woes

When I hold you in my arms, you make everything calm

Nothing in the world can be more valuable than you

Not even my career, I had no clue

Being by your side in cold and warmth

I promise to be your protector from pain and harm

So what if I missed that promotion

I got your unconditional love and devotion

The night long meticulously created data sheets

Are tossed away in favour of clean bed sheets

So what if I am not able to sleep or eat or bath or pee

I am no longer bothered by the clock striking one, two, three

Love is love they say...

Another bundle of joy

Makes us a big family

Trotting, dancing, you two make our lives entertaining

I now get tired a bit more

I sleep a little less

The body has been exerting more than it is meant to

Millennial fire and gender equality has shaken men

Yet your daddy hasn’t got enough time

He is the bread earner and that is just fine

I once again pick up the toys and the story books

With cuddles and smiles, I toil and cook

So what if I am a Multitasker

Many women are and they have to move faster

So what if there is no helping hand

Most mommies are magicians with invisible wands

I am too a part of this perfect mommy race

Toiling and still putting up with grace

Love is Love they say..

*

Where is Cupid?

The Adorable chubby cheeked little fellow

With a white bow and an arrow

Looking for doves with mesmerized eyes

Sweetened enough more than a sweet or pie

Has he lost his way somewhere

Doves today have scattered here and there

No time for cooing, rejuvenating or expressing

Just entrenched in a mad race running and experimenting

There was a time when trees had shaded lovers

Soaked in warmth, the intensity bloomed like flowers

All have taken love for granted

A thankless you and me have made Cupid disappointed

Office desks have glued partners

Once expressive thoughts are now chained prisoners

The accelerated pace of modern life has its repercussions

Either you can pace or I, there is an unsaid differentiation

Love is Love they say..

*

Years pass by but one question always haunted me..

Who am I? Am I following myself? It taunted me..

All physical power is consumed in nurturing lives

When will I pick up a sword? Is the time nigh?

Is there some power within?

That can mute conflicting thoughts and surmount thick and thin

A moment of realization changed ME

I was starving for internal peace and my identity

Embedded deep in my heart is pure intrinsic energy

That which is unknown, battled and resists with no strategy

Who am I, can I achieve what I desire…

Burdened with innumerable questions it wanders on a lit pyre

I tried all ways to work around the problem

Wearing my hurdles up high like an emblem

I approached many for knowledge and answers

But the soul within was pouncing faster

It’s only when I sat at peace

I listened to my internal power with calm and ease

The Buddha within was imparting his power

Renounce all anger and embrace the internal shower

When I accepted myself an energy was imparted

This renewed self in me was since years parted

Love is Love they say..

I really don’t care about what they say. 

What I know now is that I have started loving myself. 

I don’t care about the laundry, about the dishes in the sink, about the multi-star cuisine menu suggestions for meals, whatsoever. 

What I know is..that not everything can be perfect. 

As a wife, mother, career aspirant, 

you cannot be perfect in all spheres. 

I do take out sometime for myself for a coffee in my calm garden, 

for shopping even 

if there’s no company. 

You know why? 

Because I love myself. 

I deserve that peace and inner strength to keep me going.

I don’t care what they say. 

What I say is.. you are not selfish if you are in love with yourself  Woman. 

Love is Love...

About the poet :
Neha Chawla is a Social Educationist, HR professional and  Writer. She is full time mother of two kids aged 8 and 4. She conducts workshops for NGOs and foundations aiming to create awareness on sensitive topics like menstrual hygiene, mental well being and combating child abuse.

((Photo by Rowan Chestnut))