Half moon in the mid of cloudless sky
Chillness in air despite nearing summer
Things looked bright even with not-functional street lights
I was enjoying a merry running to the street corner shop
To fetch betel leaf and nuts for my mother and aunt
Both resting at home after an eventful festive evening
And a grand reasonably early dinner
I was happy because at home there was peace
And all kids, including my cousins, having a great time
I felt lucky for having been chosen to perform
This service
I was proud as the women folk at home said
That I would get the best betel leaves
Tender and juicy, as I know how to pick up
These made me rush from home
And ended up in a joyful double up run
Everything was fine
Some elderly was asking me, whom I did not answer
“Why running, my boy”
That was the mind set with which
I kept running
I had to stop suddenly because
A thinly built but taller than me boy
Also running opposite jumped in front of me
Before I could understand and say something
The boy slapped on my left cheek
Did not say a thing
Moved towards my right and
Continued running
It took sometime for me synthesize the happening
I stood there for seconds
Looked back to see the running hitter
As I am not knowing even now
The reason for his slapping
Was it because I came on his way
I quietly walked; I dropped the idea of running,
Fearing another slap
Bought the leaves and nuts
With no words uttered and in a
Very thoughtful mood
Returned home with no cheers
But a saw in my family the same joy, they had when I left
Who was that boy
Why did he slap me
Joy does not last long sorrow comes immediately after that
Was the lesson I learnt
And this lesson proved to be right
As the very next week my mother breathed her last
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Pathos....thats the way of life...very well written....