'Happy' Forever... Poem by Leslie Xavier

Was singing out loud for a change,
I was off to Kochi, where my roots run deep.
Looking around in the train I thought,
who’s here more happy than me.

Then I saw a spring blossom,
right there in early summer.
Bubbly she was, with sparkling smile,
my bubble bursts, she is happier, I'm sure.

She hopped into the iron cart,
just making it, as the loco hissed 'n moved.
But no fears or tensions there,
she was cool and fresh as ever she was.

'Papa, papa; she used the phone,
as she sang the triumph to her father dear.
A second's delay would have ruined her trip,
but she would never cry, she's not that type.

Lost she seemed in thoughts then on,
looking out at the passing lights.
While I waited for a chance to knock,
and ask her why she is happy so.

Then she took out her guiding lines,
a book which had her work of months.
Student she was I was sure,
Physics it was, a science student eh!

I ask her if she was loving science,
to later help the human race.
Yes, she said, with an honest ease,
'I am on my way for an exam sir.'

Avoid the sir I wish I said,
teacher I was, but long time back.
Now I am just a snoopy type,
who writes stories in printed sheets.

Then she reveals her name to me,
perhaps with it the secret too.
'The name's Harshita, ' she smiles again;
'always happy that's the meaning' – Oh I'm charmed.

I'm sure her dada knew,
that she would forever be happy in life.
No wonder she got that name,
fit for a fairy - she sure was one.

As she climbed above to rest for the day,
and prepare herself for next day's tests.
I looked up and prayed to Gods,
keep her smiling, don't let her change.

Then I turn to my friend, newly found;
and wished her best for the whole of life.
'Goodnight dear, ' I said again;
tomorrow is yours, go win 'em all...

(On a newly found friend during a train journey,
a young girl so full of life - you just can't help but admire)