THE INTERVIEW

It stopped raining abruptly on the way 

And the sky seemed gloomy again, 

As if someone forced it to stop crying. 

My mind seemed like the leaden sky 

Anxiety gripped me like an octopus. 

I was never bothered so much before, 

Because it's my first interview ever 

  

Confidence being tested was the real test. 

All the parrot-learning fell into amnesia, 

I got confused with even my name. 

My lips moved in honest, silent prayer. 

I promised material rewards to God and the saints. 

What if God helps? My faith took over the rest. 

Thus, confidence began taking over. 

  

The passage of the interview chamber 

Seemed like a door to fiery hell. 

Fire blazed within me and I was on tenterhooks. 

Palpitations drove me to a nervous breakdown. 

It's a hell, I thought, even for the others, 

And their shudder cheered me slightly. 

My heart stopped for a while when it was my turn. 

  

Will this nervous cuckoo seize the job? 

All their eyes were on me, I couldn't bear it. 

I collapsed, not certain for how long. 

A glass of water restored my senses, 

And I was again on the same hot chair 

Confronting the questions shot at me by the panel. 

But this time not with the same timid mind. 

  

Self-introduction was the first task to overcome. 

I was in a stupor, my tongue hesitated to speak. 

Certificates were thoroughly scrutinized, 

Deliberations were made thoughtfully, 

And the final verdict came without delay. 

"Congratulations, you are appointed!" 

The words left me in utter consternation. 

  

Why talking so much in an interview? 

Maybe it's silence they are looking for, 

Or they were in need of a dumb chap. 

My selection still remains a mystery, 

Like the baffling Bermuda Triangle. 

Life has such magic to unfold; 

Probing into its secrets will leave us crazy. 

************