CROSSROADS OF THE SOUL

In shadows where my spirit strays,

Paths diverge in endless haze.

Do I breathe the light of day,

Or wander where the lost souls stay?

A fleeting sun, a flicker’s guide,

Or shadows where my fears reside.

Confusion grips my aching heart—

Which step to take? Where do I start?

Alone, I tremble, lost in night,

In doubt and fear, I clutch for light.

A world awash in hues of gray,

Each step demands a price to pay.

The weight of life pulls heavy, deep,

Or Dante’s journey through the grief we keep.

Voices call from every side,

A path of hope, a road denied.

My soul, it cries for truth and peace,

In memories lost and moments ceased.

Alone, I walk through shadows grown,

In doubt and fear, I walk alone.

Yet courage whispers in my ear,

To brave this life or face my fear.

Every choice a turning page,

A story told, a path of rage.

Echoes from the past resound,

Of every rise, of every ground.

Hope glimmers like a distant star,

Guiding near, yet seeming far.

Alone, I tread this winding maze,

In doubt and fear, I find my ways.

The roads we choose define our fate—

To chase the light or tempt the gate.

Where shadows lurk and sorrows dwell,

In every twist, in every knell.

Yet in this dark, a truth unfolds—

Strength within, a story told.

To live with grace, or face the night,

Each step I take ignites a light.

Alone, but strong in shadows’ hold,

In doubt and fear, my soul unfolds.

Dr. A. Arun Daves

Email: dave.aad1987@gmail.com

Bio–Note:

Dr. A. Arun Daves is a highly accomplished scholar and educator holding a Ph.D. in English from Annamalai University and an M.Phil. in English from PRIST University. His academic journey includes an M.A. in English from St. Joseph’s College of Arts & Science, Cuddalore, where he was awarded a Gold Medal, as well as a B.A. in English from the same institution. He also has an additional Master’s degree in Linguistics from Annamalai University. Since 2013, he has been serving as an Assistant Professor of English at Jawahar Science College, Neyveli. Dr. Daves is a prolific writer and researcher, with 23 published articles in esteemed international journals and over 30 articles and book chapters reviewed. His literary talents extend to poetry, short stories, and book reviews, showcasing his multifaceted expertise in the realms of English language and literature.