THOSE
FOOTSTEPS
-
Neelam Saxena Chandra (India)
As I lie down on my bed in the dark night,
Sleep eludes me as it has been doing
Since last few days.
Today, even the moonlight is missing…
As I twist and turn on the bed,
I can hear a few footsteps walking away…
Who’s it? I peep through the window!
I can’t see anyone…
But I can still hear the footsteps in the eerie silence
That has enveloped the atmosphere.
Are these footsteps that of
Some thief who’s stolen something and rushing back?
No, then he wouldn’t walk back so silently…
Has happiness decided to leave someone?
Or are they the retreating footsteps of someone’s love
That’s become old and is decaying little by little?
Or are the footsteps that of repose
That’s leaving everyone’s mind in these
Disturbing and edgy days?
Now, I can see the shadow of a man
With a long black overcoat and a mysterious hat
Sauntering merrily far away…
I think that it’s the frightfulness that’s going!
Are the merry days going to be back soon?
With the peaceful thought of gaiety finally returning,
I lie down on my bed once again-
And I finally sleep well after long
And wake up to a sunny morning
That embraces me tight!
****