How has this clock with two swords
wrapped us around its fingers.
The tick tocks and chiming chords
have cast a spell that lingers.
We hasten as strike the wands
and drift nowhere from somewhere.
What magic lies far beyond
that this hour seems so unfair?
But time heeds to no worries-
Is there a need to hurry?
A jug of whiskey with spice
for the two mischievous old.
Bouts of fire on cubes of ice-
the hazy stories retold.
Sweeter rumbled the mumbles,
and louder the glasses clinked.
Woozily tales just tumbled
as the oldies laughed and blinked.
Giddier turned every verse
till the sun donned new colours.
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.
Summertime but I feel cold.
Empty thoughts that seem so deep.
Heavy eyes of tears unrolled.
So tired yet cannot sleep.
Things begin to drift away.
Known faces now appear strange.
But my wits will find a way
as memories rearrange.
Worry not to find the cause-
the mind has taken a pause.
Man with a sense of humour
though appeared quiet and shy.
Read no news, loved no rumours,
just with his smile he lived by.
He would greet with a salute,
and wander at a canter.
Chirped till you told him to mute,
but ready for a banter.
His wand now no more in hand-
I will miss this blue-shorts man.
I have watched this little girl
grow up in my neighbourhood.
Fluffy hair ever unfurled
dancing away her childhood.
She walked with a bouncy gait,
and spoke with her big round eyes.
And the boys would drool and wait
for a glimpse of fire and ice.
Though I shall see her no more -
her image my soul will pour.
Here she took her final nap
with no fear, tears or wails.
A story book by her lap
likely of romantic tales.
Smile still lingered on her face
but the one that makes you weep.
Close yet so faraway gaze
that my soul forever keeps.
Let her past be my future-
my mother and my teacher.
