Completely With Myself

When I am completely with myself, immersed in my reflections, All the day's works are done - mundane and monotonous, From far away in the past, an endearing picture emerges to me, Surreal, yet distinctly visible! A house which was left abruptly with no warning, A porch where I scattered all my playthings, on splendid summer days, The huge windows which smelt of drenched khuskhus herbs from its covering to protect from scorching heat, Frolicking in the orchard full of shady Guava and Mango trees! Oh! the spectacular garden of my father’s dream! Chrysanthemums and Dahlias - I could smell the fragrance of the flowers - Roses, encircled with ferns! The swing - the symbol of my entire childhood, Of the laughter, the chatter, the admiring friends, the unforgettable scent of Jasmine flowers on the ground! I decided not to go back! I was afraid the music had stopped, and the colours were lost! The birdsongs were gone! I decided not to open the shell and find the coveted pearl! But the captivating vision doesn't fade away! The crumbling door creaks open, and only whispers of the blowing wind I hear - The black and white photographs on the walls unpainted for long, look faded, although the familiar faces are smiling, A Rosette, immensely treasured once, is left on the floor - for so long nobody cared to pick it up, The once-valued carvings on the ceiling is caving in, in melancholy. The lonely, dusty, staircase which was once a refuge for giggling children playing hide-and-seek, has no footprints! I decided not to go back, To witness the decays, which break my heart beyond repair. But I revisit again and again, My heart takes me there. For Decaying House Poetry Contest Sponsor: Constance La France