Urban Islands Poem by Ruta Mohapatra

In the sea of urban settlements
There are small isolated islands
Which most people pass by
Without dropping in

The reigning kings or queens
Of those quiet, desolate places
Are often grey haired people
Waiting to hear a familiar voice

Once they were a part
Of the happy, milling crowd
Working, earning and spending
Enjoying life to the fullest

Such islands await
Most of the young and active
Unaware or unwilling to accept
That youth has an expiry date