One Autumn Day

-Sanjeev Pradhan (2004)

A heavenly sprinkle the conifers cast
conceals the paths of past;
a tiny bird in the gleeful woods come out to fly,
journey far it would have with the autumn
passing by.
Orange, yellow by this small
wonder many colours worn.
Over twirling weather-cocks and flat hill-tops,
fans the moistur'd breeze,
leaving for a destination unknown;
thou messenger of love on earth!

Descends down from divergent branches
with the lone that finds its way.
Leaning sideby a window frame,
a 'hello' to them the couple old it says.
With quick eyes and a beakly nod
seems to join their talk.
How memorable were the yesteryears!
the times which were theirs,
remember'd in the stillnight
warmed by the hearth.
Stumbles then upon the whispering air;
Ah! the cradled sway
back again to nature's care.
And envy not here it slips
In the cosy retreat of the circled stacks
and the carpet of pushed-in twigs.