Forest Path Poem by Saroj Padhi

Elated by the aroma of leaves
in rain newly born
and of petals by wind gently borne
as I tread the path alone
in a forest unknown,
wilted rain-soaked leaves rustle
at my feet
with pain in shriveled vein
as soiled, they languish in a July morn
but still trying to hold on
steadfast to the lap of the ground
into which slowly they will be bound;

they too have memories of love and fun
before from twigs
getting untagged and torn,
with hour long kisses and cuddles
from blossoms from dusk to dawn,
with latent smell of petals
oozing from crevices of their body
though of beauty, they're fully shorn;

now the petals too lie on grass
away from the twig's embrace
but still oozing old leaves' fragrance
in their secret soul,
pushed by the wind as they roll
cherishing fond memories of youth
dead and gone
as they lie forgotten and forlorn.