THEIR TRIPS

 

                                

                

                                 

 1.                 Too weak they are to travel

    When and where they fall sick, none can foretell

    Others too busy to help them in their state;

    They are left out to their own fate;

    Yet they have to move to some places few

    The places they frequented, though not new

    They meet their doctors to check their health

    In their age to be in good state is true wealth.

 

2.       Tethered to their old habits, they don’t say “No”

  When they visit temples, their faces glow

  Where they feel happy and peace around;

  They love to hear the priest’s chanting sound;

  They feel content to drop some coins to beggars there;

  With old people, their experiences they share;

  At inner sanctum with deep devotion, they stare

  A sense of promise they feel from idols there.

 

3.      Sometimes to nearby parks they used to go

 Glancing at ducks and lilies floating slow

 By chance they used to meet their friends and chat

 To know about their health and recollect events past

 In this world of noisy rush and heat

 The gardens and temples, a holy treat;

 They share with those who have patience.

 To know their experiences and feelings immense.

 

 

4.     Of past events, youth may not like to hear;

 To them, these seem to belong to another sphere.

 Like old birds in winter-worn forests deep;

 Youth may seem too busy and pretend to sleep;

 Entombed in memories the old seem to dwell

 Gone are the days of zeal and magic spell;

 This generation seems too fast and smart

 Old people’s words, seem not so impact their hearts.

 

5.    Their age and state not fit and strong

Though they desire, they can’t so travel long

They are content to watch places on T.V.

 In clear perspective without envy

 In still, dark night they wake up to review

Their acts and deeds—their needs too few;

 Like old hermits estranged in caves and forests far

They try to live with few desires wherever they are.

 

6.    Like caged creatures within four walls, they stay

Like static railway coaches, immovable they are;

Their children like engines take them to near and far

 No more can they move out and have their way;

 Once they used to move at their wish and will

Taking children wherever they demand with thrill

 Now, like sky-bound astronauts they cannot land

They have to follow their children’s command.

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

   12th February 2025                  Somaseshu Gutala