Until We Meet Again

they lit up our eyes, then

as we'd rush for a game of cricket,

in your courtyard,

where winning or losing didn't matter.

the memories light up still,

one by one,

the huddling up 

over paper rockets,

the fear and the fun

of listening to the rains, 

hammer the asbestos roof,

pelting stones at the mangoes,

and gathering the trophies,

the excitement over the kites

and cakes,

where Christmas was not fun

without sharing a bite!

the flash in your eyes

didn't change with time,

they twinkled as would do stars proud, 

they sparkled like a child's,

were deep, as deep can be,

as you pulled out the pictures 

of your angels 

from your wallet.

how times change in a moment,

now the pictures 

would be yours,

and the wallet theirs,

the memories yours,

and the tears, theirs!

as you leave,

your time well spent, 

you leave us with memories

the bond, the love and the hugs,

the frames of a face 

laced with that smile,

etched so deep

to fade with time.

the smile that hid the pain,

the endless banter,

the time that we can't get over,

keep smiling, 

and, keep watch on us,

until we meet again,

the other side!

© sashikant mohanty