The Duplicity Of The Crab

Growing older in my sixties,

I yearn to relive snapshot memories

Of Youth Unbound…..

Elaichi chai for twenty five paisa

At roadside dhabas; meetha paan, a quick soota or two.

Strolling up the Ridge, side by side, keeping pace

With friends or perhaps it is the special YOU….

No holding hands then – far too shy!

Smiling at faces known and unknown.

Heartbeats pounding louder and louder,

Rushing back in time for hostel bells

That tolled for roll-call,

And wary of behenji or the warden’s secret rounds.

We smiled in unison – alerted the puffers -

The camaraderie remains, even now.

Forty years down the roads all taken, we engage

In light banter, joyful at the reunions on Social Media.

Add ‘Smileys’ on Facebook and ‘Like’ picture - memories

That may hide sorrows unbound.

Or exhale Life’s Beautiful Magic-

Till …All Hail!

The Emperor of All Maladies erupts!

After silent fruitful feasting off DNA,

Traversing new territories, claimed insidiously,

In the name of…. What?

We know not.

Insignificant human beings in this great perplexing universe.

And so, the music fades…..

Dusk no longer is for contemplation of what may be.

And the sword of Damocles hangs over simple questions:

Why now, why him or her, not me?