Are you still there?
Hello?
Please talk to me
I’m using the security guard’s phone
Somehow, I forgot mine
While I was walking inside the building
I saw you pass by
It’ll be nice if we have a chance
To catch-up before I leave
Hello, hello….
That’s when I woke up
Pity, it was only a dream
Your books accumulating dust on my shelf
They were a collection of newspaper columns
Alongside my father’s books
His lectures put together by his students
You two belong to the same old culture
With brilliant minds but stuck with male superiority
Once you asked me why I turned you down
I gave you a straight and honest answer
You heard the words I said clearly
But did you get my fundamental reasons?
Although I was in a vulnerable situation
What you had would help me a great deal
It was my principles standing in the way
That’s the story of my life, nothing new
I won’t change till the end of my journey
A short-lived bright spark between us
When our intellects synchronised
Conversations were mutual and reciprocal
Exchange of attitudes, concerns, ideas….
We complained about the superficial world around us
Status, material objects, physical appearance….
I admired your success
Appreciated your respect
Enjoyed the most the dialogues we shared
Sometimes, my righteousness got in the way
Forgot people in society have lots to blame
Don’t know how you were able to pardon my harsh words
Did you learn from them or ignore them completely?
Our contact lasted forty years
I am constantly moving forward
You always stayed the same
Our bond helped me through many hurdles over time
Did I ever make any situation better in your life?
Was it only a dream?
Without believing in the afterlife
Never wished to see you again
Why visit me a long time after your departure?
Is there any ultimatum that needs to be sorted?
Is there any message you need to pass on?
I will try my best to fulfil all your requests
So, you can finally find your peace