Swarna Express! ! ! Poem by Seema Aarella

KGF...Kolar Gold Fields...a small town quite and remote...where i spent my childhood, where i grew to be what i am today, the town that inspired my poems and dreams......the serene place i always long to be.



This passenger train, KGF’s Pride
20 odd bogies long, a handy ride
From KGF to Bangalore City
Carrying most people on their duty

Small station at Oorgaum, Built by The British
To travel on this train, I had a fetish
Early morning hundreds of people throng
On a small platform, they make queues long

Students, visitors, ’ daily workers of all ranks
Use their best wits and pranks
Throwing towels, scarf’s or handkerchief
To reserve a seat and sit with relief

Almost seven packed in space for four
Still many hanging at the door
In luggage space, over our head
Men clamber and sit with legs spread

Nudging, pushing stamping others feet
Warding scorns with excuses sweet
Groups of smiling young girls enter
Men stand for them to sit, the boys begin to banter

All at peace when the Train finally leaves
Slicing through the fog, chugging at ease
Inside chattering women, arguing men
Giggling girls, teasing boys, excited children

For KGF’s people with golden heart
This train is an integral part
Binding people from different streams
Carrying commoners towards their dreams