I'm Home

 

No more star gazing

no more shore sitting

under the moon counting

waves that die on the sand:

I am home, watching

street hawkers for my needs.

 

My son works in the next room

glued to his computer - WFH,

I prepare snacks for my hubby.

 

The lingering afternoon wanes

sunset glow fades on my forehead:

I light a lamp in the Puja room

pray, that is recite a few lines

mother taught me  when I was

in school which I utter eyes closed.

 

Now what to do ?

The same rituals

dreamless eyes missing

wandering over inanities?

If this is home I Am homeless.

 

I take an auto to the market

crowded shops overwhelmed

by revenge shoppers make me

wait, I lose my shopping list

walk out to find a lonely shop:

But where! Mankind is out

all homes are empty

hotels are overfull

jammed roads crack in despair.

 

I return, bag halffull

more tired and sweaty:

What home is this?

 

I walk away to the nearby field

small groups with country liquor

shout - only seven medals

and see what they get!

Some one looks at me - wah!

Mal Hai - another voice sings

an old Hindi song with lewd gesture.

 

I rush back home

after the night rituals

I lie on my bed, the roof

suddenly turns the starlit sky

I hear the waves breaking

on my home ears.

Sabita Sahu