Unswept House Poem by Prabhakar Subramaniam

I turn back at the door

For a last look, once more

At my home, no more

All bare, bar

Memory's footprints

On the wall

Where hung till yesterday

Frozen moments of fleeting joy -

Toddler, degree-holder, newly wed -

Two score years gone like a dream

Yet how harsh those summers were

Like hell's fire, burning, without destroying

I look at the floor

The landlady did not want wiped clean

Lest the goddess of wealth was swept away

I lock the door

Someday, I will be leaving

Another home, on other feet

Leaving behind, some pain, perhaps

Much relief, and, deathless verses