But Seasons Had Changed
I found a small garden
In the midst of
Dull grey concrete
And roads hazy with smoke.
An oasis of solace
In this crowded, lonely city.
ere wasn't anyone around.
But on my solitary walk,
I became friends with the �owers.
Passed my hands through
eir tender leaves
Breathed in their fragrance
Heard the sparrow's sweet song.
e garden loved me back:
A butter�y graced my shoulder.
e laburnum tree too
Sent down a golden �ower
A gift to keep.
Memories to be fond of.
is is my place, thought I.
A treasure I have all to myself
A secret none else can have.
Bliss.
Time �ew
Like only time could.
And I passed by the garden again.
Eager to relive those moments,
Entered, and gaped,
Wondering if it was the wrong place.
(It wasn't.
But seasons had changed.)
New, soft grass under my feet.
e people walking on it,
Chatting and laughing.
New creepers, new roses.
e laburnum, taller and mightier now,
Had traded its �owers
For ripe black pods.
New caterpillars crawling on leaves,
e children of my �uttering friends.
I couldn't stay much longer.
I was sad.
I wonder why.
It was still most beautiful.
But its beauty
was no longer
Solely mine.
e critters I had smiled at
Were strangers once more.
And if you've seen seasons change
You'll know how it feels.
102
Adhish Sethi
3156, Batch 2015