When the past comes calling
And you are totally unprepared
When the suddenness of the event
Leaves you at a loss for words

When the bitter sweet memories
Are shorn of their halo
When confronting the truth
Leaves you hollow

When illusions are divested
Of the illusory tones
When the bare facts challenge
Impressions set in stone

When you take a long moment
To pause and think
When you are precariously poised
Right on the brink

With courage and will
Make amends if you must
For later may get too late
To shake off the dust

Of past mistakes and misconceptions
Formed over a period, in perpetuity
Which have destroyed relationships
And your own sense of tranquility

Subir Chakraborty / 23rd July 2018