A Tall Tragic Tale
On the day before Christmas, 1997 I was in a supermarket
Saw many people, I thought it’ll take long time to buy gifts
Christmas getting more and more annoying every year,
Cursed and wondered if kids really play with costly toys.
Noticed a small boy pressing doll against chest, touching hair
Looking sad, asking granny if she has enough to buy the doll
She asked to wait, looked around, left the boy with the doll
I walked to him, and asked who he wanted to give the doll to.
He said “The doll my sister wanted the most this Christmas”
I replied, “Don’t worry, Santa would bring it to her after all.
The boy said,” I don’t think Santa can give where she is now
My mom will carry it as she's about to go to see God soon”
I told Dad, tell mom not to go, wait my return from the market
I reached my pocket, had enough for the doll and some spare
The granny came, I left market finishing shopping differently.
On my way home, I couldn’t get the little boy out of my mind.
Then, remembered having read the news of a drunk truck driver
Hitting a car in which there was a young lady and a little girl
The little girl died right away and the young lady was in coma.
Next day, read the news that the young lady has passed away.
Bought roses, went to the mortuary where dead body exposed
Saw her in coffin, the photo of the boy and the doll on her chest.
************
**Unfortunately it is a true story except my going to the mortuary
though I wanted it much but could not as I was a foreigner in
Those days visiting my son in Atlanta, GA. My only past-time was to
Visit Malls and reading newspapers.
December 23, 2014
Form: Free Verse
First Place win
Copyright © Dr.Ram Mehta | Year Posted 2014
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