In Another Country

Walking the streets of Cochin Walking back in time. Walking over my footprints Walking, tracing, remembering. Remembering shadows of a spent youth Remembering lights bright and empty streets. Remembering an open window, a shut door Remembering light filtering thru leaves. Gone- the room, the hotel, the lane Garbage piled up where geese once honked. Gone- the shops with fruits and cakes Gone- the girls with shy smiles and love. A stranger to faces rushing by Strange indeed, the memories bidding bye. Did I ever live here, doeth my breath linger here? Did I ever stand in this shade- why, only a stump is here! Nothing remains. Nothing to remind, nothing to forget, Monuments! What do you leave But a fading name or a bludgeoned statue! In the shores of time do I stand, The lap of a wave, the cry of a Gull. A caress- gentle and kind, only I will feel A whisper- of love, only I will hear.