"Don't assume that we are afraidWe have collided with the storm of timeThose who came to snatch the food from my mouthHave eaten the salt of my ancestors"
The stage is set for Sahitya Aaj Tak in Lucknow. Under the bright sun, young poets took to the stage first. The poetic gathering based on the theme 'Expression of Love' was initiated by Piyush Agnihotri. He started with his first couplet,
"In a few moments this rain will passMy beloved, this beautiful night will departYou will keep searching for a job in citiesWhile someone will take her away in a wedding procession"
On Valentine's Day, Piyush Agnihotri's poetry was a soothing balm for broken hearts and wounded lovers.
"Now every flower fears its own branchIn the garden, the gardener is a threat to the flowerThough enemies are feared, it's astonishingMan now fears his own household people"
Following him was Chetna Balhara who shared,
"If you look into my eyes, you will know meYou will smile and accept even my false wordsI avert my gaze, blushing with shynessIf our eyes meet, you'll recognize me"
Chetna's poetry was a declaration of love, an expression of emotions, and greatly appreciated by the youth. Then came Shashwat Singh Darpan, a poet from Lucknow whose poetry was centered on Radha-Krishna, the epitome of love. He shared,
"Just look at the brotherhood in Krishna's handThe bangle in Radha's hand held by KrishnaPeople of the earth and sky are in aweThe mountain seems like a grain in Krishna's hand"
The next poet on stage was Vishnu Virat from Haryana. His reels are often viral on social media and he's quite popular among the youth. He recited,
"Love's trap must be visibleThe previous year must seem visibleNow those long locks must have reached the waistNow they must be more enchanting"
The last poet of the evening, Shikha Pachauri, concluded the poetic gathering with her couplet,
"We'll adorn ourselves as we desireThe world is bothered only if it chooses to beWhy waste all tears on youAfter you, we'll still find new loves"
