Nisha Bhakoo is currently a Research Associate in Literary Studies at the University of Sussex. She has published two poetry pamphlets and three collections. She edited the Contemporary Gothic Verse Anthology published by The Emma Press in 2019. She has a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Dundee, and has taught at universities in the UK and Germany as well as at The Poetry School.
Port Canaveral
On our way back to Port Canaveral,
the radio blares out Christmas songs.
No winter markets to shiver at here.
We are the only ones who defiantly
sing along – Silent Night –
star-spun voices entwined.
The Florida sun sits resolute in the sky.
Our harmonies emit another ethereal light.
The minibus, half-full of crew members,
grumbles on – towards Christmas Day,
our ships, just another day at work.
The others sneak glances to the back
of the bus. A question mark
and amusement in tired eyes –
who dares to enter the spirit of the season?
© Nisha Bhakoo
Blood-coloured
I did not expect the knock of lust
at December’s door. I imagined
a glint of aloneness this year –
creeping evening shadows on tiptoes,
darkening the day.
Dreary, spindly nights. Winter-hearted!
But – no, no. A blood-coloured candle is lit,
flickering with unearthly love.
A collision of two enchanted worlds.
Dark, fearful eyes settle on skin.
We blindly wander into a new realm,
hand in hand, winter keeps us warm.
Soft as snow, cheek to cheek. An aura
of hope around our embracing bodies.
But wait! Of course – the knock of death.
An elder of disappointment raps at the door.
A flesh-eating insect!
One soul again divided.
© Nisha Bhakoo