Teesta Review: A
Journal of Poetry, Volume 7, Number 1. May 2024. ISSN: 2581-7094
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Bhavna Khemlani
mind your gap as
we hear
that gap can get
you in trouble
the journey
within that gap
is the void of
time
the void of
memory
lies the
haunting echo of time’s relentless hammer
each strike a
reminder of forgotten footfalls
each blow a
puppeteer’s pull on our strings
lost within this
void of memory – well of moments
we are but
marionettes - dancing to the past’s tune,
revisiting experiences
we strive to release
yet they cling
to us - shadows of what once was
journeying
through this chasm of the self
I find the echo
of time’s vast void
a cavernous
expanse, a gaping maw
where memories
dance, fragmented and destroyed
the gap, a cunning
provocateur
a master of
triggering the soul’s unrest
yet within its
grasp – I
discern the
remnants of time - a treasure chest
measured in
moments – in breaths – in sighs
I glimpse my
insignificance - yet also the power to defy
within this
emptiness lies a – choice
a chance to
reclaim power with vigor
did I just
become a void puppet?
the tea is
getting cold
more sandwiches
placed on the table
readings are
going on
change to a
transcendent being of time
emerging as an
architect of my own destiny
mourning to
moments – so
can relive the
new – better ones
dance in the
gaps - Reconnect
taking a sip of
the cold tea
a bite of the
sandwich
award announced
- hearing my name
holding the
torch forward – a new rhythm
mind your gap -
that gap can get you in trouble
another journey
within
is the void of
time – memory
Flamingos,
durian and the love songs
---
Bhavna Khemlani
combine delicacy
with loving evocation of love songs
upon my travels
the glorious dance of two lovers
standing proud –
bachata announcement
on the beach –
cocktails – yum yum
smiling and
vibing as the flamingos intertwine
into the shape
of a heart – yet the dancing vibe on the
beach with
strangers far away from reality
still yearning
for the love - the love songs claim
sultry grooves –
some connection – you want more
not from the
stranger – from your person
then asked, how
about some durian cocktail
my mind projects
the odd – fragrance
they insist for
the special durian drink flavored with cherry –
brandy – rose –
ice cream
no ice cream for
me – I shall go with the rest
the sound of the
rose got to me
how rose could
fit so well with durian
bachata on the
beach – obsesión – beautiful now
when house music
is remixed with bachata
you need another
durian rose cocktail
slowly those
hands around my wait drift away
I remember the
promise to myself
even if I am
single – live life
like a love song
void poetry –
intertwined into a heart
like the flaming
flamingos
feels like wit
and wisdom
dancing together
only sensations
are felt – tasted
delight – direct
– quirky quirky
combine delicacy
with loving evocation of love songs
I live – kiss
the rosy light – sun kissed
all so exquisite
Flamingos, durian and the love songs
Silver
Tongue – stimulus
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Bhavna Khemlani
my muse
smooth tongued
communicator
pausing for too
long
living up
politely for
justice –
(tongue for the silenced)
sweet rewards
priorities
whole lot of
passion
towards moving
forward
gently- slowly
crucially
not
holding back
that
void
as addicting it
can be
gradual stimulus
silver tongue is
back
smooth sails
on a cruise
to crush all
that
does not have
meaning
making a point
not getting
stuck
but sometimes
ignoring
unexpected
surges
then there is
stimulus
before I lose my
voice
I am drawn to a
connection –
connections
respect
relations
flattering
diplomacy
works sometimes
hydrating a
difficult situation
a project
then the
illuminating
authenticity –
rises
owning your
voice
without being
politically
involved – at all
once in a while
the stimulus is
injected by the
Universe
we all need our
Silver Tongue
Don’t you!
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Bio:
Bhavna Khemlani’s empowering journey entails being a
University Lecturer (Educator), Poet, Author, Corporate Trainer, Academic &
Creative Writing Coach, Researcher, Reiki Master Teacher, Existential
Well-being Counseling, NLP & EQ/Mindfulness Practitioner. Co-Leader
of Bangkok Women Writers Group – BWWG. In the honor of BWWG 20 years
celebration, 'Rhythm of Missing Pieces’ Anthology was published in 2021.
Research Journal 2020 - The Impact of Reiki Treatments (Hands-on Energetic
Healing) and Existential Well-Being Counseling in Reducing Stress and Improving
the Well-Being and Quality of Life of Young People. One of her research
projects, ‘Transitions in the healthcare systems in times of uncertainty
exploring views by experts through Mindfulness & Emotional Intelligence
published 2018 received an International Award by the World Research Council
(Research Ratna Awards 2019) for the outstanding contribution in the field of
Research. Author - Editor of Anthology 'Gratitude, Good News,
& Guidelines' 33 nonfiction stories from writers across the globe.
Website: www.bhavkhemlani.com
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