Tattered Cloak Poem by C. P. Sharma

I heard a knock
at the door this morn
I asked, 'Who is there? '
There was no reply
I turned my back
I slept again

A knock again
I got up this time
I opened the door
Saw my body-cloak in front
Of its strength shorn
Tattered and torn

I asked him,
'Come in, have a seat
'Where have been all these years
'How did all this come about?
'You are in tears and jeers
'I see you out of gears! '

In exasperation he said,
'I have been with you for long
'So many years I have sung your song
'Now it is time for my swan song
'You have overstayed with me
'Please find another home.'

I assuaged him
A little of his grief I trimmed
I said, 'Me you can not enfold
'Ï know you are old
'In sacrificial row
'Your salvation toe.'