Fireflies At Bedtime

In the supine chambers of my mind: Thoughts of different hues spring up unsought They crisscross like fireflies in the dark Dancing virtually 3D all night Love isn’t always reciprocal In several cases; many will vouch. One way traffic, is true in love too. Romance and marriage being exceptional ties Are stereotypes and status quo a boredom? How does one retain self respect and dignity? Is getting old akin to walking up hill Does pursuit of virtues lead to spirituality? The Generation gap is absolute Senior citizens get branded folks Age ushers feelings of isolation Is ‘time to quit’ the next foreboding? Does seniority start at Sixty? Or in Seventies, Eighties, Nineties? What about one hundred and plus? Is a senior human an asset or a liability? Spouse alone is synonymous with trust For guaranteed love and care For emotional and physical relief Tending siblings rank the best Is keeping one to oneself not right? Prayers offer solutions to a roller coaster life Joint family promises solace Yet freedom in old age makes little sense Are old friends the choice to confide the troubling thoughts? Is it the close acquaintance or childhood stamp? Do love, romance, relationship leave a soft touch? Are passions just avenues for escape ? What about the thoughts that bombard? Gratitude forgotten and guilt unpardonable Victories cherished and challenges pocketed Defeats shunned and despondency sunk How about happiness on achievements Missed opportunities weighing heavy Hopes brimming and despair haunting Victories inspiring and failures devastating What about lingering memories of good and bad? Causing ripples in the pools of mind Betrayal, ingratitude and sorrow, Love, friendship and separation. The night is always dark and silent Many times sleep is far and evasive Yet the eyelids close for rest When the fireflies stop to fly!