Narrow Margin
Placed Second in:
This or That, Vol. 23 Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Edward Ibeh
Narrow Margin
On the twelfth day and twelfth month of the year,
With a gentle drizzle greeting the town,
After a downpour for more than an hour,
Dark clouds are draping the sky all around.
From the shining top of its glorious spire
The bell of a neighbouring cathedral,
Unique of its kind, has chimed for five times,
Heralding the end of the day to all.
After a long and hectic day at desk
White-coloured folks are hastening away
In fear of a much heavier downpour
That may flood the streets and impede the way.
All the streets are slippery and greasy;
The main arteries of the town-city
Are jammed and packed to full capacity,
With drivers worried how to inch ahead.
The street along the city cathedral
Is crowded more than any other day,
With vehicles treading at toddlers` pace
Heading towards the north easterly way.
Just at the junction of a one-way street,
The driver of a car, stuck in the jam,
With his spouse awaits, with patience and calm,
For the stream of traffic to move forward.
A few yards away, one can eye branches
Of a massive tree, from a nearby yard,
Overhanging the busy street and leaves
Dripping down rain droplets without regard.
The driver is on the verge of moving
Along the slippery street to the east,
When a huge branch from the gigantic tree
Hurls down, wrecking two vehicles at least.
A feeling of shock invades the driver
As the branch miss him by narrow margin;
He wonders whether it is coincidence,
But his calm and confidence do not flinch.
He now heaves a profound sigh of relief,
And from the innermost depth of his heart
Offers thanks to the Lord: in his belief,
It`s a sign of divine grace from the Lord.
Copyright ©
Krishnanand Guptar
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