College Street, Kolkata Poem by RONY PATRA

At daybreak, with the rising of the sun
When the night-duty of the moon is done
The engine of life starts revving and roaring
And brings forth a day that is far from boring

I trudge along the concrete footpath
And see old-timers live the aftermath
Of a movement that changed a generation
And showcased the communist colour of a nation

Shopkeepers open their dens by noon
Street dogs howl, while birds croon
Booksellers peddle IAS, science and literature
In their half-hearted attempt to promote academic culture

Taxis and trams sail through, side by side
Bringing back memories of those who died
Or are most likely to, given the reckless speed
Enjoyed by office-goers for doing thir daily deed

Schoolchildren and college students throng the road from nine
Some are eager for their lessons to begin, while others whine
Juice-sellers and food-stalls do rip-roaring business
And often leave the peripheries of the street in a mess

By four to six, education gets over
And one can catch a child, walking as a rusted lever
Exhausted and sleepy from the day's activities
And not even pausing to look at the dozing canine beauties

By nine at night, the street is empty
With remnants strewn all around, of the day's activity
The street steals some hard-earned precious rest
Before it starts another new day, with added zest