©tea On Train Poem by PADMINI DUTTA SHARMA

The train passed through the tunnels
Filling my senses with void and emptiness
As though darkness signaled the end
It was like holding on to the past and fend

I heard a whisper and felt a breath
From deep inside
That said, “It is no use holding on to life
It is like an avalanche on the terrain
Time will take a toll of what shall remain
Every day need celebration
Filled with fun and jubilation”

This octogenarian was snoring
Defying all behest, ignoring
Smiling he incoherently murmured
I went near almost to his chest
“Lucky birds have seen that light
It’s so luminous and so very bright”

He then turned the other side
I felt my pulse twitching inside
I felt sad that I left my home
My little one must be crying alone
I should have reconciled
Compromised and felt glorified
I should have fed my toddler
Been more tolerant, judicious
Painted red and blue on my canvas

The train came to a sudden halt
With lightening speed I ran
Desperate to reach home
Eager to be with my dear ones
Stumbled and fell
I bled like hell

“You have been working hard honey
Drink some tea and don’t worry about money
Let me give you a massage
There’s news you can’t envisage
I will tell you after you finally awake
Life will change after the daybreak! ”