Game of the Name

Not a Murder not a rape
Nor a scandal of any shape,
It is just a sorry epic of lies
Amidst some love, amidst some faith.

I remember her face, her lips so sure.
When for the first time she told her name.
What they hid and what they feigned
No guilt of deceit no signs of shame!

And then it all rolled and rolled,
Gathering lies like it gathers snow.
The more I think the more it hurts
Like nails on my heart she sow.

It grew into what seemed like love.
Of numerous vows and numerous lies
How smooth they flew, how innocent
They seemed, like the cutest butterflies.

For years together I lived in clouds
Of love and lover, I was so proud.
But the million lies in weight had gained
I fell with a thud, when it all rained.

I fell like I’d just been shot,
Couldn’t move but hid the blot,
The pain that was perfected with aim
For I lost the game of the name.

I know you loose when your heart is pure
For it’s a game of deceit a game to lure
And with an opponent so clever so sure
All I ask is euthanasia for cure.

I lost the game
I was never told
I was playing…

(C) Niraj Kumar Jha
SER, Summer Special (June 22-23, 2002)
(Bokaro to Bangalore thru Dhanbad)