Time Changes

Time changes! ................................................. I wait endlessly, time hangs heavy, the day is a drag, a huge burden on me. I see the changing colours of the sky, the floating clouds, flying birds, people rushing to their destination. I hear the chirping of birds, buzzing of bees among the flowers, sounds of quick footsteps on the street below, animated conversation of middle-aged women, and laughter of school-going children. I look at them longingly. I have nowhere to go, none to see me, I don't have to wait for anyone, neither does anyone for me, the day rolls on. The fading light of the day, the approaching darkness, gives me comfort. I don't mourn the passing of a day in my life, I feel relieved. I take refuge in the bosoms of darkness, the desolate street below, its emptiness, gives me solace, It is now as lonely as I am, waiting for the day to break, to have the warmth of human touch. The day breaks, The heavenly crimson lights fill the earth, Life begins, But it does not bring cheers to me, The bright sun rays blind my eyes, I fail to find raison d'être for living another day, endure the trauma of endless wait. Time changes! The world around me has moved ahead, I am left behind with my past. Days pass by.... I live between hope and despair. Winter gives way to spring. Hope rises in me, No, I can turn a new leaf, tread an unknown path, an uncharted destiny. I wait for the new dawn, wishing the night to fade away. ............................................. Archana Datta..... New Delhi, India