The journey

It was a hot Friday afternoon
I set forth on an unknown journey
Knowing not what I ran away from
Or what my destination would be

Life was a bit too complicated
It held but little pleasure for me
Peace had deserted me long ago
Leaving me alone and unhappy

I had a career to boast of
A plush home and loving family
Yet grief found new ways into my heart
Filling it with restless self-pity

As I drove through parched, arid landscape
The sun blazing with ferocity
The winds mourning an unknown sorrow
Seemed to reflect my own anxiety

Something beckoned me to stop awhile
As I came by an ancient birch tree
For there, in the midst of wilderness
All alone, stood a bantam shanty

Two children played hopscotch in the yard
Laughing with unbridled gaiety
While their mother sat at the doorstep
Watching them, smiling ever so slightly

She was mending a frayed little frock
Her gnarled hands must have once been dainty
Her sallow face was pale and tired
And yet she seemed so very happy!

Her weathered face told tales of hardship
But her eyes bespoke maturity
A faded dress covered her gaunt form
And yet she seemed so very happy!

Each day must present a new challenge to her
Whilst her nights would be fraught with worry
How on earth did she make two ends meet?
And yet she seemed so very happy!

I watched her fingers dart to and fro
Suddenly she looked up to see me
In her face, puzzled, and yet, smiling
I finally found tranquillity

The sun set into the distant hills
The gentle breeze hummed a melody
For the first time in years, I found joy
As calm night subdued day’s vanity

I had missed countless little delights
In my quest for great felicity
I resolved to savour each moment
And smiled at the approaching city

© Copyright 2008 Madhulika. All rights reserved.