Ashvin V
Peace prevailed, one afternoon fine,
In the hostel’s passageways.
Playful puppies and a mischievous cat,
Did bring much cheer, those days.
There were students sleeping, studying (sure!),
Some simply sauntered about,
Some others groggily ‘drifted away’,
It was a normal day, no doubt.
And then came forth a mighty roar,
“Jai Corona”, heard everywhere.
College was closing in two days’ time, Excitement filled the air!
Just as it bloomed, the joy did wilt,
Homewards, would the students be sent.
Nay, none wished to leave those aisles,
Where such beautiful days they’d spent.
Dismayed, distressed did the cadets pack,
In that dismal fog of gloom;
These “special times” were laden with,
A sense of impending doom.
Long faces did bid farewell,
To the land they loved so dear.
Moist eyes, sweet memories they took with them,
As their own homes approached near.
One whole week, their hearts did pine,
For the cosy hostel rooms.
To feed the dogs and stroll amidst,
Those grand Gulmohar blooms.
It was but for a week they pined thus,
Misery, like waves, did subside.
For every stormy full-moon sea,
Is followed by a gentle low-tide.
“Home was home after all”, felt they;
Away from hectic college days.
Away from mess food, clinics, classes,
And their strict-and-tidy ways.
They now had time to reflect and think,
To feel unburdened, free.
To relive long-lost childhood days,
In the comfort of sweet family.
These students, like those little birds,
That fly far on their quest.
And yet, as Surdas rightly said:
Come night, find peace in their nest.
For,
Home is but a cosy nest,
To freely laugh and cry.
A happy place where the mind does rest,
Listening to life’s lullaby.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
