MY RIVER

In the course of my journeys

across the length and breadth of the country

the very sight of the rivers

filled my heart to the brim with joy

and ecstasy once upon a time.

The ever flowing rivers

made my mind full to the brim with

delight, serene and tranquility

my mind often travelled down my memory lane.

Right from my childhood days

reclining comfortably on the chair of my ancient abode

or taking rest on the river banks

together with my parents and siblings

it was our leisure time hobbies

and enjoy the cool and sweet breeze

which made us energetic and hearty always.

The very surface of the river resembled

a dark green wide carpet.

But we were aware that 

under the dark green carpet was deceptive

undercurrents - all once upon a time.

With the flow of time

the flow of the river too gradually

turned slow

with the sun showering fire on earth.

Destruction of mangroves on both sides of the river

by the ecological plunderers alongside

the sand-miners landed on our land

and forcibly took away lorries full of sand.

Nowadays while

travelling across the of the nooks and corners of the country

I often shudder

and with gnawing pain and agony

with tears welling up in my eyes

I tried in vain not to watch the drought-hit rivers

by deliberately closing my eyes.

It was quite natural that

the very glimpse of each river

often pulls me backwards and

which often prompts me to recall

the plight of our river…

albeit my reluctance…..