Rapel Mallick

 

Long I walked on the road along the shore

till the coastal sun took the reins to pour. 

The salty sea-winds ruffled my long hair,

and I paused so could weary legs repair.

Across the street a smiling young  man stood

selling his wares amidst the shaded woods.

Heaps of coconuts piled on his old cart

displaying the pure art of nature’s mart.

He looked at me and saw my thirsty eyes,

and asked if I wanted one cold as ice.

I could sense the sweet water of the fruit-

sweeter it seemed at the end of my route.

But alas! I had carried no money-

I would be deprived of this white honey.

In a helpless gesture I told him so

but shaking his head he refused my no.

“Quench your desire and say no more,” he said.

“Joyous I be when a thirsty soul fed.

Pay me whenever you are passing by,

else enough I see in your thankful eye.”

I was taken aback by this kindness.

The offer too surreal for shyness.

I guzzled the sweet coconut water

as the day was turning a bit hotter.

Happy I was, happier the man seemed.

It broke my heart for I may not pay him.

Grateful was I though heavy was this load,

tourist I was so might not pass his road.

Then I asked him about his family-

the sweet eyes of his salted steadily.

He lost his young wife when their son was born,

holding her hands with the last look forlorn.

The little boy is all he lived for now

along with her memories of their vows.

so much to live for, so much is plenty-

as I turned to leave with my hands empty.

But then I saw an old friend approaching

with hands in pockets and my hopes searching.

He lent me the cash I owed this young soul

who had taken the sun’s reins and control.

Here stood a unique man one of a kind

who seemed had already made up his mind.

With that cash he bought me a souvenir-

a seashell that journeyed from far to here.

I thanked him for the gift and bid goodbye

caressing this beauty with a curious eye.

A milky white piece with memories hemmed

to remind me of this man, a true gem.