MEMORIES OF AN OLD MAN

Memories, oh you haunting recollections
Life's eternal shadow, which constantly follows
In loneliness the reflections are unmitigated sorrows
Try as hard one cannot shake off
The pain and agony of your inflictions

Why did I live so long?
When all who I loved have been quite abrupt
In life's journey, so cold-bloodedly corrupt
Leaving me here with wrinkles and pain
And time's cruel melancholy song

Wrestling in the mud swimming, diving in the lake
Far from reality, pure feelings, nothing fake
My grandma's feeble fingers rolling slowly in my hair
Her stories of wisdom, love, devotion, valor, and despair
With gentleness her shaky voice telling me to stay
My constant disobedience, running to the forest to play

Hours were insignificant, days seemed to disappear
The only aim was merriment, no hesitation no fear
My mother's delicacies were waiting, to be furiously consumed
A necessary distraction till the fun and games resumed
My poor friends from the village near were always at hand
For teasing little village girls or building castles in the sand

Looking at the setting sun, I suddenly saw
Memories may not be that hurtful afterall
Only young saplings that have become trees that are tall
With every branch a story every leaf a tale to tell
I've lived long to keep memories pure not merely survive
To rejoice in their splendor and keep them alive
I'm truly blessed to have lived so long
Adding joyous lyrics to life's wonderful song

~Saurabh Saklani~

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