I Almost Tossed it Out

As I am growing older and life becoming lonelier, The past beckons, and though I had almost tossed it out, The idea of going back to my native land and my people Now grows in me as an urgency with no trace of doubt. I shall go, my soul flying faster than my supple limbs To perch on my native land that I left long time ago To see the changes, these intervening years have brought And to revive the glorious past that in me still aglow To listen again to the melodious tunes, half forgotten To laugh and talk with my one- time bosom friends To enjoy a life lighter and less demanding Free of all finesse, rid of all stilted and crazy trends I shall visit each of my lovesome former haunts The parish church and my parents' forlorn graves I shall go to the village school which I loved the best That still resurrects in me memories, waves on waves I shall go wandering through the country roads Listen to birds' shrill calls, lovely and clear Watch the smile rekindling old familiar faces And enjoy the sweet rustic air, dust free and pure I want to watch the Gulmohar in opulent bloom Feel the scent of jasmines opening at night Walk through the paddy fields stretching endless Enjoy all the rural scenes that greatly delight Climb the small hill where gooseberries grow Wind down my way to my friends’ quarters And travel farther to the river side with my pals To have a dip in the river's cool and clear waters Oh, I shall be away from the roaring crowd for ever And relish the peace and quiet, free of all grinding chores Cling to life's commonplace things and charms Find my own footing there, never to be back to alien shores!