they said horror, i said war (not even phobos survives mars)

there are other names for him
ones that no poet
was ever allowed –

we learn from history
(but only ever
when we are permitted)

can you not see the words
glowing with purpose
shaped with fire
shaped with souls

we learn from history
(but only ever
when we care enough to see)

there are other names for him
etched into every line
every word
every syllable

what do you call
the endless hunger
of a gaping black hole
how do you give name to
the falling of stars
the last fires of a dying hope

how do you fight off
an all-reaching hand

pulling

you

in

tell me
how do you look
at the flames of ruin
and not name it

hunger?

By Rishika Aggarwal

Biography:

Rishika Aggarwal is an aspiring poet from India, currently studying for her master’s degree in English Literature. She’s been reading for as long as she can remember, and dreaming of being a writer for about as long. She’s been lucky enough to have been published in the Rising Phoenix Review. You’ll be able to find her (and more of her work) at rishwrites.tumblr.com