THE CITY BRIDGE
G. Somaseshu
The public rush has reached its peak
Homeward bound all rushed-no break-
A smothering, stuffy time without an inch of space.
A hectic break-neck schedule one has to face
The stinking waters pretended calm
The setting sun - a mild, red warm;
A timid breeze trembled past through crowd
Perched on stone-benches beneath the dusky shroud
Of dusty smoke and bustling din
Beside the moss-laden lake stagnant green
The tired people sink down to pass some time
Munching pea-nuts, a lazy pastime.
No poetic thrill in polluted clime;
No earnest feelings outpoured in rhyme;
Darkness thickens with dumb cold night
The bridge dazzles with myriad lights
The frantic rush slowly dies down
The statues stand sentinels dusty brown;
A lone lover sighs and gazes at the sky
The orphan children in rags, beg and cry;
This bridge, a mute haven for city-life
A brief respite from rushing strife;
A symbol of brotherhood and peace,
Linking the straying hearts with sociable ease.