"Homage to Catcher in the Rye" and "Rise From the Ashes" - Two Poems, by Antara Chowdhury

Homage to Catcher in the Rye

I wander these streets without a trace of my steps
I dream of overcoming reality
Being a hero--that I will be
overcome my sadness and reality
Save the dying children-
the hurting children-
those who are fighting to survive-
those like me.
I'd like to be the catcher in the rye
but who will catch me when I die
I cross the road disappearing with every step I take.
It engulfs me.
The world of hate-
of lies-
of "phoniness"-
of a "god"-
that once used to be
kneel down to pray- forgive my sins-
god please save me.
From this eternity.
They say he watches
from up in the heavens.
So why can't he catch me?
Why can't he be the catcher in the rye?
The one that saves them from the evil eye?
So when I sit to pray tonight
kneel down and cry -
"take me."
I want to become somebody else
sick and tired of being left out
I turn the corner and walk down the stairs
One last goodbye is what I wish was there.
To be noticed and missed
not forgotten.
When my life ends,
the "he'll" be there
To take me to that sacred place
a holy land where I shall be saved
from this appalling world of hate.
So do you know what it's like to be me?
When life hits you, then you'll see.


Rise From the Ashes

I am mystical
Fake in a real world, in a real mind
I am unseen unknown
Yet I fly, live, breathe
Flames of victory, ashes of defeat
Yet I rise.
I am a animal unique
I am a butterfly
But as in this world I am
Average, with a twisted
Heart… purple
Not after a medal of honor
But after a mixture
Combination of life and a river
Red and blue
Blood and water
Am I two into one
Smile, a happy smile
With a scream in the eyes
This one person apart
But the sound track
Running through my ears
Keeps me intact
So let me rewind back
To my ride
Of Hide and Seek
Feeble minded people thinking
They knows what's good-
Right for me.
But I digress
I hold no grudge so
I can have no regrets
But-
Im not gonna
Trip over no person no
Lost love
Cause
I’m gonna
Ride my train my ride
I look up with pride
Cause I’m forever soaring
Like a butterfly.
I will not escape
But will survive.