Soliloquy

The breeze is light and the leaves now fall
Concealed within the dark, that’s not all
When the noises of Puja seek some sound
Just as the gale blows wildly all around

The smell of the fragrant Shiuli in bloom
Flowing across every door and every room
Letting you know that Puja is on its way
When Maa comes down to earth to stay

But these bright lights mean not a thing
If desolation to me is what Puja does bring
What is Puja to Rehmat who sold these flowers?
Who doesn’t speak Bangla but keeps all hours

What does Puja mean to me if you are not home?
Does it show a case of some lost syndrome?
What is Puja to those who get nothing to eat,
Nothing new to wear and have to sleep on the street?

How do I wear new clothes when my country’s in pain?
How can I enjoy myself in this artificial rain?
Is it not Puja for those who missed the flight?
Who check their emotions to say that it’s alright?

Mother, I don’t say it very often but I love you
And Dad, I hope you know that I really do
In the afternoon of a life so monochrome
It’s not Durga Puja if you’re away from home.