Holding Back Tears

I couldn’t hold back my tears… When I got off the train, took a familiar path through the fields to my peaceful abode… But alas! I couldn’t find it! Why don’t I see the beautiful cottage surrounded by an enticing garden, of fragrant Chamelis, Rajanigandha, and Mallikas! the unforgettable Jasmine creeper climbing the antique roof, all encircled by lemon-scented bushes of Mehndi! the orchard full of Guava and Mango trees which offered shade and comfort, a house which was left abruptly without warning, has disappeared! This is the house where I spent many precious years of my serene childhood, with Bulbul and Koel singing their most beloved songs, here was the swing - the symbol of my tender years ~ here were the puddles I used to sail rainbow-tinged paper boats on rainy days. here was the porch under a star-studded scintillating canvas of sky I gazed at with my beloved friend ~ I had tears in my eyes, because I couldn’t find my hamlet of peace, my solace in a turbulent life… The house was occupied by someone we trusted, but trust was broken... The house is in a declining condition.. the bushes grew so tall and large that the house almost disappeared from view ! I decided not to go back, because I was afraid to hear the whispers of the blowing wind in an empty house.. to find the once-valued carvings on the ceilings caving in, in melancholy, the lonely, dusty staircase, with no footprints, the ruined window-coverings made of fragrant khuskhus herbs I will never find my Abode again! August 6, 2021 For "This Or That" Vol. 5 Poetry Contest (Holding Back Tears) Sponsor: Edward Ibeh THIRD PLACE Brian Strand 1090 Poetry Contest FIRST PLACE