Uncle Ray Poem by DEEPAK KUMAR PATTANAYAK

Uncle Ray
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On my way
To hell or to heaven
I meet him everyday
He is a funny man
With reflective eyes
And brow candid and open
With the load of age
He walks bent very often
Though strong and stout
He is eighty well past
With mortal care
He looks frail and worn out
Yet onward, restless, he does fare
He has a charming character
With mien unyielding so rare
He smiles and his smile is very sweet
Perhaps nearer to his soul
I am drawn because of his naivete
Oft he looks into the sky
As if searching something high
He sings like a dreamer
Caring less for cheer or censure
Standing beside the water
Quenches not his thirst
Yet onward, restless, he moves on
With eyes looking high in aimless quest
Curious I ask him what he looks for
In silence on the mirror
Of his brow I see my own familiar face