Last Phase Poem by Ajit Das

When striving of youth inexorably
comes to an end,
how do you look at the last phase
stretching ahead?

Is it the ‘best' that glows
with the light of culmination
or a caricature
hiding behind the latest fashion?

May be, a ‘weary pain'
festering deep in the heart
keeps on reminding you
of a change without any regret.

Still a defying note may resound
in the ravages of time.
It may also afflict you, left
near the wall blocking all avenues.

Yet, it gives you a chance
to take part in the flowering of life
even in the frosty stretch,
not a borrowed phase,

which you need to live,
steering clear its rough weather
with dignity and honour,
drawing on your refurbished hinterland.