Secret Joy Poem by Pradip Chattopadhyay

Looked around to make sure he wasn’t seen
Then with a self-mocking grin
He put on the funniest pair.

His face glowed in an unimaginable happiness
Born of his fanciful whim
And the secret was only known to him.

He felt he had stumbled on a precious find
To hide in his mind all day.

His feet too felt tickled
By those strange disparate mates
How everyday sameness they hate.

As for his shoes
They hadn’t a clue.

(he chuckled)

Like is not heard the nocturnal bird’s wing
They would never have inkling
No one
About this grotesque fun.

It harmed nobody
Not to know the secret of his feet
All day he would be carrying with
His selfish change-seeking self.

When he sat and the trousers went up
The sight of his own feet
Almost gave him a hiccup.

(he chuckled)

Come boy if this is not boundless joy
what is?

Back home
He threw them in the wash-tub
Only to catch next morn her surprised stare.

You’ve worn again
Socks from two different pairs!