Questions
My shadow asks me to relate last night's dream
I say - No! I don't want to recall it
My shadow elongates longer and darker than
That of the pine tree which stands at
The final turn of the meandering road to my roost
And insists - You must tell about the dream
Under the orange sun gradually descending on
The western horizon
My shadow's wish is becoming bolder
Knowing too well
Earth will be usurped by shadows sooner than
I could hang on to my reluctance
I'm left with no choice but to comply with
The desire of my constant companion
So
Folks
Here it goes
I saw a dream last night in which
My shadow was chasing me
While I was running back to home
Across mountains
Through dense forests
Along wide rivers
On highways passing by crowded cities
Finally
On the border of my country
I hit a wall
Tall and thick
Made of bricks of soldiers
With my back on the wall
I faced my shadow and pleaded with it
With panting words -
I need to see my valley
Watch your mouth - My shadow warned me and
Barked back - Do you love your homeland?
Yes - I replied
When was the first time you lied to your father?
What was the reason your mother has been crying for ages?
Where were you when your kid brother was killed?
Did you try to stop your siblings
When they took up arms?
Do you remember the promises you made
To the girl who waited for you everyday
Standing by the old banyan tree
Until a bullet hit her?
Were my shadow's questions
I had no answers
And I heard my shadow's dark words -
Someday
I'll also leave you and
You'll become as lonely as a shadow
Copyright © Ibohal Kshetrimayum | Year Posted 2018
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment