By DVS Narendra
One day I traveled on a train,
Cursing it in my pathetic little brain,
Then I saw a child sitting on a window side,
Looking at the passing bridges and clouds,
Amazed on what he saw he would shout,
"Ma, trees are moving away, I want them to stay"
As everyone laughed I turned around,
And saw a vendor selling some lemon sprouts,
Life is indeed difficult but he still seemed gay,
Appreciative for every little penny someone would pay,
The more I looked around the more did I see,
Poor, what I considered,
Were happier indeed,
Life is not all that difficult every face did say,
We just need a few lighter hearts and little joys to cherish.
Just a few more gazes here and there,
There was an old lady struggling with fare,
A passenger beside would help her,
Just to show that people do care,
How grateful she was, visible in a stare.
Another little boy, less privileged, asked me as soon as he entered:
"Saab, can I polish your boots?"
It took me back into the memory lane,
And reminded me how this Saab was served in a silver spoon,
Never even polished his own boots.
Life is a journey different for all,
And one day on train was enough to show it all.
And one day I traveled on a train,
Cursing it in my pathetic little brain.
What I liked most about the poem is the way the writer’s thoughts are beautifully expressed in simple words, making it both imaginative and deeply reflective of real life. It is often said that travelling and reading are the two best ways to gain rich experiences in life, and a long journey—especially a train journey—unfolds countless scenes before us. A child views travel with innocence and wonder, while an experienced person observes and understands the emotions behind every face. The poet captures these different perspectives and weaves them together gracefully through thoughtful and evocative words.