Sounds of cricket and barking dogs
A great reminded of childhood.
Tossing, turning and trying to sleep.
Eyes closed mind wide awake
Recapturing some events that were forgotten.
My life in the countryside is alive in me.
Rays from the sun peaked through the shutters,
Flickering on the bed and walls of my room,
Wind blowing leaves and dust from dirt roads.
Its home again! It feels so real!
Countryside life remains alive in me.
Another day, I rolled out of bed.
Looked outside. Not too much have changed.
After 30 years, that mango tree, still there.
Ha! That old latrine or remains of it, in the back yard,
Barbed wired fence, my childhood boundary.
Life in the countryside remains alive in me.
A slow walk down the old brick road
Land marks still recognisable.
That clay brick church, that mosque that temple!
Still firmly standing.
Older folks, saying 'how-de-do'
My life in the countryside is still alive in me.
As the end approached, something was missing.
Ah that school! Those favourite memories, now gone.
As the charred remains of very few pillars
Stood among uncared for trees.
Tears welled-up, a clear sign, it was time to move on.
My life in that countryside will always live in me.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
reminded me of my native place lovely