I
With bouncing zeal I started
A Knapsack hung from my shoulder
With a jolly springy gait
I took to road -- no goal--
But move on and on till
I go beyond the rim I see
I walked and walked not caring for things
That came across my long, long way.
II
The ruddy disc of sun
Turned gold and bright
It reached its zenith
Too bright and blazing white
Hot winds swirled round like fire
My feet tasted a burning pain
My tongue dried up and yet
I dragged my feet on and on
I cared not to wait till morn.
III
A steep hill blocked my way
I scaled the burning rocks
My heart beat fast and knocked
Against my ribs ; I felt
Forlorn ; I crawled like a beast
To keep going ; I sat at last
Under a dome of marble ;
I felt the cool touch of the floor
As cool as mother's touch
So smooth and creeping into my blood ;
I lay down there for hours
I thanked my Lord who showed
Me this haven to rest ;
I closed my eyes and blest
That place and dreamt
Of my place from whence I came :
No more can I prolong
This aimless, mad pursuit.
IV
I turned my back to road
That still went on and on so long
Through innumerable twists and turns
Mocking at my slow, dragging pace ;
Adieu to Road ! I feel content
To be within my means ;
It's mad to span thy form infinite ;
Adieu ! Boundless bearer of freedom !
I'll go back to my home
And feel the inner peace
Under the shady trees
On the soft lap of lawns
Viewing the distant glories of the dawn.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Note : This poem symbolically describes the struggles of a traveler to find his ultimate goal in the external world. In spite of his determined and stubborn efforts he comes to the conclusion that his search for truth in outer world is futile and the real secret lies in peaceful contemplation. The fountain of peace is actually within his own soul and not in the showy external tempting world.
20th August, 2016 Somaseshu Gutala
very nice appa
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