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Reflections Durjoy Dutta (1st year Mech) Waking to the shrill alarm of hunger He rubbed his eyes, One could see where the years had trickled down, Easily mistaken for tears dried up, Then he caught my eye And smiled, con lines creasing his face Weaving a blurry maze, A mask behind which he hid, His self from my searching gaze “Have to go to work”, he said And left. When the day had disappeared He trudged back through the door. Caught him naked for a moment And shuddered with horror, Pity was trifle late, But in a flash the mask was back, And so I let my rage gain. He met my eyes with a steady gaze, Even gave an apologetic wink, And would have shrugged, I am sure, if he could “Tough day!” he said “What’s new?” The smile only deepened, The mask pulled closer, “Why?” A shrill silent scream “To live….” Mildly As an indulgent father would, To a stubborn child. I wanted to grab him by the shoulders And shake him to life “To live ….for a life.” The voice cracking a little As the mask, I felt an uncontrollable urge to laugh. “Wear a mask for too long, And after a while that’s all there is.” The cracking smile widened, “I know!” The indulgence was back. And then he actually shrugged! And then he turned his back on me, Leaving me reflecting on its silent delusions. It’s tough being a mirror! |
