Is It You?

when i gaze into the stars, today,

the chill breeze kisses my face,

the clouds keep rafting in the sky

the piping hot tea still in my hand,

the dew drops are still my guest,

but why doesn't it feel the same,

why don't i feel the warmth?

is it because some fixtures are missing,

is it because the times have changed,

or, is it you?

i flip through the pages,

my eyes no longer get stuck at the same line

my mind doesn't drift any more

to a distant land, into a different story 

carving our own castle,

on a beach where we'd go for long walks,

leaving footprints etched on the wet sand,

only to fade with time,

with shadows merging into one

sometimes ahead, sometimes in tow,

why doesn't my heart race today

why don't i pace up and down, the house,

is the clock tired today,

or is that my heart,

is it because of the times have changed,

or, is it just you?

© sashikant mohanty