THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.
One evening after a busy day,
I sip my coffee
as I look outside my window
at this huge tree
with squirrels moving around...
It seemed as if
one of them wanted to
have a squeak speak with me,
reminding me
It's okay to be a little nuts.
After all, we forget to appreciate
little moments of joy,
rather spend more time
cribbing about
shortcomings of life.
Remember the Misty morning walks?
when we watched glassy dews
dance on the edges of the leaves!
The rainy evening snacks
while we sailed along
those tiny paper boats...
Flying kites during summer holidays
giving a devil may care attitude
to the bright sun!
Climbing those huge trees
with no fear of falling
and breaking bones!
Piling up seven stones
while running from the opponent
in the game of Lagori!
Pelting random stones
at those delicious mangoes
on the way to school..
These memories never fail
to bring an instant smile
on our face and in hearts,
healing us within,
as it takes us back to
those beautiful days...
I opened my eyes
reminiscing those days,
grinning from ear to ear
As I sat down
and started staring
at my laptop again!