What makes him so proud?
A septuagenarian,
With a straight back
Affection in his tone
Over conversations of long ago
Of friends who didnt get out.
Of knowing his purpose in life.
He left a long time ago
But his training holds
Never a complain of how hard it is,
Or how tiresome life is
Waking up day after day
To the things that need done
Serving his family, friends
And those around him.
Looking down on us
with disgust in his eyes
For what he calls "new generation",
"The lazy ones" he says
"Not grateful for the things they have"
Shaking his head with hopelessness
"not respecting the sacrifices of the
forefathers; or knowing true courage;
Not understanding the circle of life;
Nor the changing seasons;
Not caring for the earth, its many lives"
At the Amar Jawan Jyothi
He sits and sighs,
Time, not on his side
Yet he walks with a straight back
Holding his head high
I wonder if I could ever
Grasp that essence that -
Makes him tall, loyal, brave and kind.
-Rashmi 2006
P.S. This is my entry for the Poetry Wednesday-March 12th 2008 hosted by Sans Souci. Click the Name to link back.
