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A Perfect Morning - Tapan Kumar Pradhan (India)

 


A PERFECT MORNING

 

-         Tapan Kumar Pradhan (India)

-          

It was a perfect morning

cool and sunny

I was on my way through woods

 

The birds were on a song

bees danced and shimmied

Butterflies fluttered around yellow flowers

 

And then there was the bend

ahead, a little clearing

Before I could take my final road

 

Not even three steps had I taken

when I saw Him, face to face

                   just in front –not

Even a whisper away

 

Resting against the trunk as only he does

one leg bent slightly

smiling as only he can - just

a knowing smile, a little

 

Stretching of lips, forehead shining

in the yellow soft light

Just as you’d imagine him to be

Basking in his own halo

 

I blinked twice - even pinched my skin

Here, like this. And yes, he w-a-s there

 

As if he knew I was coming

breath turning to silent mist

dark curls twirling

With each passing breeze

He w-a-s standing there

 

But the third time I blinked

he was n - o - t  there

 

I know you won’t believe

I have no pictures on reel

But I have captured him alive

with these very eyes

 

See how thrilled are they, my eyes

having feasted on him

for a full moment

Look into them, look deep with faith

 

And you will see him there

****