Faded Photograph

Far far away from the busy streets and Horns
When the sun goes to the west
hiding in the clouds
When the dusty air is blown away by petrichor.
I know this lonely road once was busy
where people walked in groups at Dusk.
Look! Ripped mangoes on that big tree
whose fruits were never ripped in those days.
In between the field, there is an old house,
the dusty house where memories live longer.
This is the courtyard where
I was chased In that bank I made toys
with muddy clay

Oh! My hiding bushes in the backyard
Don't you miss those hide and seek plays?
Playing the fishing game in the canal
Runnings through the fields with a mischievous laugh.
Barbeque on the big bonfire where we fight
Sometimes followed by crying sometimes laughter.
I clearly see the sky with stars and the moon
The dripping sound of water from the canal
and the sound of the bell heard from a distance remain the same.
I am afraid the night will get shorter
Will you stop the time and let me drip onto the past.
It's the time that can't be held,
The orange slanting rays strike the green field
Leaves dance along with the refreshing wind.
Those barefoot lend on the Dewey grasses
Nourishing with coldness and warmth.
Hope for another day to come soon
Get the key for a new day to start
Leaving it like those old shoes in the rage.

-Khushi Kaul