QUEST

It began someday,somewhere in a city of my own..
A quest unknown, all consuming!
Tididgs fresh took me places,
To cities unknown,
Many I met. Some knights. Some knaves.

In glossy attires they all looked alike.
Under bright lights though their souls lay bare.
Some cried for help!
But their voices were strangled...
Filling their coffers with gold instead,
Trying to barter peace of mind.

I chased them all night and day!
Pretending then to fulfill my quest.
Instead I found myself lost and lone.
In the midst of a race with creatures unknown.

I stood back then tired and wary
A wake up call came one fine day.
As the first rains purged the earth.
I found the meaning of life again.

A raging storm outside the window...
In a city long back had made me its own.
I looked up heavenwards and smelt the wet earth
A quest anew...had just begun!

An Ode to the Poet

(My humble offering to Rabindranath Tagore on his 70th death anniversary)

The flowers smelt sweet, the gentle breeze swayed,
As to your tunes I matched my steps.
As a little girl, I discovered joy!
The journey ahead as time passed by...
I learnt to live with my head held high.
As a young woman, I found my faith.
With more years gone, a bashful maid....
With your words I learnt to love.
In times of sorrow, when I called your name,
You came in silence and eased the pain.
The clock keeps ticking and I here I stand...
With chores unfinished on my hand.
I know not how oh enlightened soul
When you touched my being and made me whole!
Ways of the world I cannot comprehend,
But in your wisdom I do depend.
Oh noble bard! Oh poet of dreams....
In pleasure and pain your lyrics remain!