When the dust has settled
Ironing out the last crease
When the cyclone of this life
Has subsided to a breeze

Who would you like to see
In the mirror on the wall
That would best describe
The person today on call

A good child, a good parent
Or just a caring partner
Or is it a bundle of all these
That would make you happier

Perhaps you need to think once more
The very purpose of your birth
Were you born just to play these roles
In this roller coaster of life on earth

Have you forgotten something
In this journey of hits and misses
When you’ve thought of nothing other
Than yourself and your wishes

Perhaps it is not too late
To go down the unseen bend
Perhaps not too late
To make a few amends

With arms wide open
And without any further wait
Can you share with the less fortunate
Without a tinge of regret

May not always be money
Could only be your time
For the hapless need your empathy
Not your pity to chime

This may add a slight halo
To your reflection in the mirror
A picture you may like to treasure
In this life and perhaps forever

Subir Chakraborty / 19th Aug 2018