The Old Rusty Gate Creaks Open

The old rusty gate opens to an abode left abruptly, with no premonition, a porch where playthings were scattered. on splendid summer days, huge windows smelt of drenched khuskhus herbs from their coverings. an abundant orchard smelt ambrosial from plump juicy fruits of shady Guava and Mango trees! Chrysanthemums and Dahlias - emitted delicate fragrance - Roses, encircled with ferns! the swing - symbol of an exuberant childhood - the laughter, the chatter, exhilarating friends, unforgettable scent of Jasmine flowers on the ground, crystal dewdrops glistening on petals, at rosy dawn! the resonating music has ceased, the gorgeous colours are lost! feisty birds stopped tweeting. I decided not to open the shell of memory, and find the coveted pearl of a lost love! the vision doesn't leave me! The crumbling gate creaks open... only eerie whispers of the blowing wind I hear - black and white photographs on the walls, unpainted for long, exude bleak sadness ! an ornate vase, immensely treasured once, left on the floor uncared, once-valued carvings on the ceiling are caving in, in melancholy. lonely, dusty, staircase which was once a refuge for giggling children playing hide-and-seek, has no footprints! The old, rusty gate creaks open to memories locked to last a lifetime! June 22, 2022 "One In Five" Poetry Contest Theme: The Old Rusty Gate Sponsor: Joseph May