The Street That Slipped Away

Rambling along the vacant street one late evening

The shops were locked, the arcane breeze whiffed

Through, as though waiting for my advent. Silence,

Shadowed by the echoes of an incoming storm,

Breezed through me, caressing my cheeks and whispering.

With a heave—a sign of being forgotten—the evening

Turned to night within flashes. The gale harried and stopped

Before me, taking deep breaths, echoing my sigh, heard

By the whole world. Windows opened, one by one;

All eyes are on me. Were they waiting for the gale? Before 

I looked back, the wind vanished, and the windows bolted

Shut in synergy. The moon showed her blemishes, then closed

And vanished!!! Am I in a world not known or am I dreaming?

The whispers faded before I could listen. The night refracted into

Morning, and the street burst with people, as if I were watching 

A movie. In the blink of an eye, evening twisted to night, and before

I could breathe, morning was born. I held myself tightly and strode

Along the street until I reached my house. Mother was gazing at me,

Astounded. I looked at her, and before I could speak, she asked,

“Where have you been all these years? it's been 17 years.” I couldn’t

Believe it. I had ambled down the street only moments ago, and yet,

17 years had passed, I looked in the mirror, shocked—

I was someone else staring!

By Orbindu Ganga

From: India

Instagram: ordinary_is_beautiful

Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/orlando.blake.5036