STORIZEN POETRY

Lockdown Paradigm

- Vidya Shankar

desolate train tracks wait for action

passenger-less mobility-challenged autorickshaws

sleep in stands

billboards meaningless now smear on cityscapes

beaches sans crowds luxuriate in solitude

blockbusters human saga unreal celluloid reels

worthless gold, diamonds hunger is precious

materialism once sovereign ineffective in death

Vidya Shankar is a poet, writer, motivational speaker, yoga enthusiast, English language teacher. An active member of poetry circles, her works have appeared in national and international literary platforms and anthologies. She is the recipient of literary awards and recognition.

Vidya Shankar’s first book of poems, The Flautist of Brindaranyam is a collaborative effort with her photographer husband, Shankar Ramakrishnan. Her second book of poems The Rise of Yogamaya is an effort to create awareness about mental health. She has also been on the editorial of three anthologies. A “book” with the Human Library, Chennai Chapter, Vidya Shankar uses the power of her words, both written and spoken, to create awareness about environmental issues, mental health, and the need to break the shackles of an outdated society.