The Aftermath

In memory of the Mumbai deluge on 26th July, 2005. 

I remember the time when I slept with the doors open.

Now, I have a mortgage to pay for a lifetime. 

I remember the time when I could see the airport lights from miles away.

Now, I get to draw my curtains open, sometime on some day. 

There was a time when I set paper boats on rainy water... 

Now, I see fear written all over the man sitting on a bus to nowhere.

I remember the days when I loved the trains and the travel through town.

Now, I wear a mask of fear and nausea when I venture.

I still remember the cobbled paths and the greens that my childhood travelled on.

Now, all that remains is cold and concrete. There was a time when I had neighbours and fun.

Now, I have cable and gaming machines. Life was like meeting a beautiful stranger because strangers never cheat... I wish I could be like the seasoned bird, free to fly away at will.

But now, I am too old and too weak to migrate.

I remember all the time, I think I knew the leader as well as the dacoit.

Now, I do not know, whether appearance does matter or not.

Once upon a time life was like a virgin, free to lust and love.

Now, life is just an intercourse... momentary joy and spent feelings.