1. Some
sixty years ago our village we left
By now so many changes
happen in every place
We may not trace our home
after so many days;
Despite knowing this
fact, we got set
To find out the spot
where we had stayed
As tenants where, as kids,
once we had played;
A hopeless vain adventure, though we knew
We went there though we
had very few clues.
2. Just
near the village temple we used to reside
But now a plethora of
temples set up everywhere
Beside the banks of the
river; who will care
About a house so old we
thought; still we tried
To pursue our search; to
our surprise we got
Support from people who
helped a lot to spot;
Beside a hall we saw
meant for rituals and rites
A gate with lion figures
came before our sight.
3. As
we were hesitating to enter the gate
A young lady came out and
asked us to come in
The inmates welcomed us
with a happy grin;
Recognized us though we are in a confused state
We saw the front yard with
a garden and trees
Where once we used to
play with kids filled with glee
The house though old as
it was, did remain
We recalled our past days
of pleasure and pain.
4. We saw the temple where weddings were done
In simple style without
much pomp and show;
The temple premises
illumined with mercury glow
We recalled how with much
festive zeal and fun
Well-known performers
acted on the stage
As people in large numbers came to encourage
The actors, shouting and clapping with zeal;
Legends were sung with dramatic gestures and feel.
5. We watched carnivals from home with curious eyes
Folk dancers, stalls,
toys, jugglers and magic shows
Vendors selling toys and
balloons with colorful glow;
Cute kids used to come in silky dresses nice
We got used to rumbling sounds of trains on track;
Our childhood days, we recalled and flashed back;
Before the goddess
with lolling tongue red and bright
People sacrificed goats and birds, a dreadful sight.
6. The
whole family invited us with happy smiles
Recollecting the past
events so clear and precise
As if they happened now and called us name-wise;
Though we changed a lot,
they recognized us so fast
Each room brought forth
before our eyes past events
When we played with joy filled with excitement
We were transported back
to our childhood days
We were touched by their intimate, amicable ways.
7. Though
they have incurred loss of wealth and state
Their affection and
courtesy not yet lost;
Though their own kin
swindled their wealth a lot
They lived content; their feelings did not abate
Though they lost their
parents many years ago
As childhood friends, same affection they did show
By their hospitality and
love, we felt very glad
Looking at their humble
state, we felt very sad.
8. Their
hospitality and warmth moved us so much
After so many years, so miraculous we thought
Very rarely we find such
noble and lovable hearts
What can we give them in
return? Not much;
Our childhood
friends showed same feelings of love
Remembering so vivid our
past years, as if now;
We took our leave as they
waved with tearful eyes
With overwhelming
surprise and nostalgic sighs.
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