It was at the first light of life
That they took the baby step.
And continued to walk along
Even as they slept.
Still bright and breezy
Were they at the wee hours.
Trudged through while
Still learning their powers.
Amidst the blossoming yellow
Bathed, fed the fellows!
Then around the noon
Their lives began to bloom.
Their gaily souls traced the trails.
Still young at hearts, very hale.
The afternoon arrived, though pale,
Blessed with occasional bursts of the gale.
Until evening, their routine was set.
Along with pleasure, closures were met.
Truths were told. Masks had fallen.
Even the hardest had begun to soften.
Wearied souls came upon a bridge.
Living each episode unabridged.
Twilights coated with burnt orange.
Forgiveness tasted sweeter than revenge.
The night, it seemed, soon fell.
Such that no one could foretell.
It was time to pack the bags—
It was time to bid farewell.
The tourists then made the choice
For how long were they to dwell?
Death then enrobed those
Who had managed to quell.
The tourists then sojourned the bright tunnel.
They seemed to cope. And well.
What lay beyond that comfort, now
How were they to tell?
©Suyog Ketkar
June, 2021