The Raven Angel, a Poem by Tahera Mannan

Into the beautiful grey twilight
As I descended from above
That raven dress, those raven hair
Delicate white shoulders held those straps
My form perfect innocence...
Overlooking the chiselled tombstones
As I gazed..... into the realm of death
In the darkness of the grave
I spied utter peace
No visions, no hopes, no tears
Only the cold tombstone and me
The souls I mean to carry
Flying like those ravens
Huddled in my arms these spirits so sweet
Thick fog settles down
As I reach beyond death
To foretell the Dark Truth
That sad humanity must ultimately feel
Death comes a calling
Bringing with her dark beauty
Chilling and exquisite
Like an owl’s screech
Or passing wolf’s howl
In these grey shadows and darkened cavern
I remain still, to hear the sweet sound
Of flowing river which must stop at sea
The ravens crow my silent musings away
I free the souls, the elements rage
As morning breaks over the hills

© Tahera Mannan 

Dr. Tahera Mannan: A Distinguished Academic and Literary Figure
Dr. Tahera Mannan is a renowned academic counsellor at Indira Gandhi National Open University. Her impressive credentials and achievements have established her as a respected figure in academia and literature.

Academic Background
- Qualifications: Dr. Mannan holds a B.Tech, B.Ed., B.A., M.A. (English Literature), and PhD (English) with a specialization in Maulana Rumi's Masnavi.
- Teaching Experience: She has held various academic positions, including Assistant Professor at Women's Technical College, LAD, Nagpur, and Anjuman College of Engineering and Technology. She has also served as Head of the English Department at Edify School (IB) and Head of the Department of Social Sciences at Sandipani (CBSE).

Literary Pursuits
- Author: Dr. Mannan is the author of the book "Heartstrings," showcasing her creative writing skills.
- Executive Editor: She serves as the Executive Editor of Cultural Reverence, an international literary magazine.
- Awards: Dr. Mannan has received the Faroque Junoon Award for Excellence in Literature, recognizing her contributions to the literary world.

Professional Affiliations
- International Poets' Group: Dr. Mannan is a premium member of the International Poets' Group, USA, highlighting her involvement in the global literary community.
- Media Consultant: She has worked as a media consultant for Anjuman College of Engineering and Technology and the South Central Zone Cultural Centre.
- Content Writer: Dr. Mannan has contributed as a content writer for the blog "Dark Secrets" and journals like "Literaria."

Educational Background
- Alma Mater: Dr. Mannan is a product of St. Joseph's Convent and L.A.D. College, Nagpur, reflecting her strong educational foundation.

Dr. Tahera Mannan's impressive academic and literary achievements have established her as a respected figure in her field.