The Two Friends

The chlorophylls have turned up for the date today But deep blues of gloom in the green pot of clay Pink sunshine lips have not kissed them of late Incessant rain has left the plant saddening Its friend a little boy works in the roadside tea stall For want of money he chose to be a school dropout He is anxious that the growing plant might wither out Unrelenting monsoon has stopped it from growing He shifts the green pot under a brightly burning electric lamp Puts the pot on a bowl of water while softly caressing The leaves with love opening the door of his lips With smiling eyes the customers looking Meanwhile clouds too have made way for the sun But the boy has taken ill and the doctors say it's dengue No money for treatment his parents can procure They keep praying and the poor boy sinking In spite of sunshine the plant withers again Flickering flames at the bed cast long shadows