Where are they now?

     

 

                                                      (  I  )

                    Where are they now? I mused in vain;

                    My friends with whom I talked so many days

                    With whom I chatted in a casual way

                    With whom I rocked with laughter at their teasing vibes

                    With whom I exchanged subtle witty words

                    With whom I shared my feelings though few

                    From whom I got help unsought in a friendly way

                    From whom I learnt much from their wisdom profound

                    From whom I got guidance and inspiring advice

                    Whose up rise made my heart rise with mirthful sprite

                    Whose soaring fame added wings to my humble flight;

                                             ( I I )

                 Where are they now? I mused in vain;

                 Some blew hot and cold to keep themselves safe

                 Some played double to get rid of their troubles

                 Some vanished too early like sinking stars

                 Though their witty remarks and laughs still ring

                 Within my bosom and in my dreamy world;

                                     ( I I I )

                Where are they now? I mused in vain

                Some stayed far away out of contact

                Some busy with their own personal affairs

                Some thought maybe not of much use

               To revive long lost relationships;

               Some chose paths different from my own ways

               Some quite forgot my name in their long list

               Of many chance acquaintances just like we meet

               During our trips to spend our idle hours;

               Like scattered leaves in a stormy gale

               Or people washed away in glacier burst at once

               In torrential floods of flowing time;

               Like a flight of birds they are no more seen;

              We are lost to one another or confined

              To our own daily routine and growing age:

              No more can we regain such dynamic touch

              To play brisk role in socializing ways; 

                                  ( I  V )

            Where are they now? I mused in vain;

            Their wise sayings and ideals still inspire

            Their benevolent and liberal views

            Still guide me through my life’s winding ways

            Their artistic and creative accomplishments

            Their sudden dramatic rise still shines like lofty stars

            Beyond my reach, gives me immense delight;

            All these memories gleam like distant flecks of light

            In my dreamy world back to those days again.

                         *********************

      19th February, 2021                                  Somaseshu Gutala