The Sanctuary Poem by Ruta Mohapatra

The house has seen many things
Since the walls went up
And the roof was cast
Forty odd years back

A little space above the ground
Lay hidden from the prying eyes
Of the sun, the moon and others
Letting the wind have its way

It has seen the cycle of life
Captured the images
Absorbed the voices
Stored the memories

It has many stories to tell
Of human frailties
Of kindness and compassion
Of friendship and enmity

Stories that have never been told
Entirely, truthfully, honestly
But the house has been sworn into secrecy
It will not betray the ones it protects