An Innocent Stranger

Hasty feet leaping down the escalators, 

We kept heading towards the empty tracks. 

No sign of sound from the farthest end, 

As we slowed down the pace at the platform floor. 

I stopped there staring at a chocolate machine; 

Clutched by the 50 rupee tag on the snickers pack.

Just then, stepping aside a long backed bench; 

You were seated adorned on a weary face. 

Eye balls approaching, in seamless silence; 

I saw you donned on a flowery frock. 

You left behind your seat in a careless move, 

Drawing near us, outstretching for alms. 

You breathed a word in feeble tone, 

But, “No” said a pleasing smile from my friend beside.

No wonder, you never minded the sweet reluctance; 

Coz every child did like my friend's funny smile. 

With shimmering eyes and head bowing right, 

You spoke back the word in a desperate tone.

Wrapping lips down and shoulders risen; 

I just roughly refused in an unusual stride. 

Whatsoe'er, fury dawned on your plain innocent face,

As I flipped my posture against the metro gates;

In no time, you broke the shell of your cute piggy bank,

Giving me a hint that you just were here to prank. 

All of a sudden! I felt, mild blows on my mid backbone; 

Like insects gliding down my dark jerkin.

My head struck 180° in less than awhile, 

Hearing sounds of jingles drop and metals spin on a concrete tile.

Could I believe! they were national coins spilt all around,

Orphaned and thrown having no one at all;

Coins in 10s, 5s, 2s and 1s, even fluttering rupee notes in the air;

Flapped their edges and laid dusted on the deserted floor. 

You stood there gazing, grabbing a palm full; 

Hopping your way into the speechless crowd. 

You began tossing the coins into the no man's space, 

As some did roll and vanish through the gaps onto the vacant rails.  

You broke into us at the nick of time,

Pointing your index to my friend and me;

Beginning in your strong voice of awkward creed, 

That I'm always a stranger and a bad one indeed.

Nevertheless, you dared to stretch your hands that moment again.  

While the train rushed along the coldly tracks,

However I just boarded, leaving my friend ahead in front;

Though all I wanted was to slap you off, to humbly trace those coins back.   

Alas! I wondered, why the folks stood blinded under the platform roof; 

Having nothing to warn your big daring deed,

As wheels did crawl in a matter of time.

You just gently dissolved from my keen eyesight; 

You an innocent stranger in such a mode,

Why left abandoned with no one to guide;

I wish you child a sweet abode,

Where you imbibe good from elders beside.

Well, sometimes it’s worth awaiting the minutes of life;

Like the weird sensation when a stranger meets.

It all gave me a thought that I could meet you sometime;

If not for making peace, but only a right reason to smile.