Crows and me

Sitting in the balcony, I sit blank and stare Two crows in the tree, some flying in the air They hop and play without care or worry I watch them with fancy, don’t know why I feel sorry They have all the time, and no boss to please No responsibilities, no bills, no school fees No one to shout, and no one to blame Each day for them, it is just the same They need not be formal, nor wear shoes They can go just like that, wherever they choose No train to chase, no mobiles to see, they have no clock They roam around the wires, caw and mock Mornings I rush, I don’t want to be late I see them around — they don’t carry any weight Of pending work to be done, or loans to be paid Or my family’s tantrums that never fade My wife wants more, my child won't hear I maintain my calm, but deep inside I fear I look at the crows — they are happy though small They fly freely in the sky, I worry within the walls They are black, and not noticed by all Yet they appear happy and strong, and never fall They may look dirty, we shoo them away Carefree are they — they fly without bounds anyway Maybe tomorrow, one of them won’t come Everyone looks the same, some other will come I want that peace — with no burden or name Just me and the sky, detached from this elusive fame Sitting in the balcony, I watch blank and stare The two crows in the tree hop merrily in the air No worries, no attachments — their lives may not be grand Yet they are so free… and here I am, an ordinary man By Suresh Iyer