Gopal- A micro from a macro

Gopal- A micro from a macro

P K Routray

 

I am fortunate

as a friend in you I met

since as a half-clad school boy

amidst teachers’ threats and class mates’ joy,

fiftyfive years ago

with teenagers ego,

Joined for a tuition

in the morning session

with a revered teacher

to shape our career.

Sweet were our chatters

craftly kept hidden from the notice of our teachers.

Endless, aimless they wandered

from mole to mountain they fluttered.

culuminating with controlled laughter

to avoid embarrassment to our teacher.

Naran, pranjal, Makara, Padhi other tuition mates

were in evening session and we both were kept separate

They were close to us being coached by the same teacher

They faded from sight with time in the struggle for bread and butter

Remember I my fall

rolling like a foot ball

falling on Angul street

while applauding your feat

carrying me- a ton as your pillion

caring fig that cycling you had just begun.

The fall brought giggle and smile over riding the pain

sweet is its memory; I beg its repetition again and again.

Numerous are those memories I search now

as pearls of life to again see and show

Fortunate I am to continue my study with you further

Your ins and outs as a boy and a growing man, I was an ardent observer.

Out of many classmates, friends, colleagues you singularly stand out

your inner self has divinity, the voice of your conscience never flout.

Epoch making epics will dwarf before my recollections

Which brings smile, tear, respect for you whom friends call a mad person.

On your birth day

observed yesterday

your this old class mate

drop these lines as it came to me straight

to drag you to your school days

time is cruel to fleet but memories blaze.

 

(N B- Gopal is my class mate since our school days. On his birth day a small token from memory.

Please excuse me if it is too personal)