LIFE (1982)
Yesterday life said to me, “smile like the light of day”,
Today I find myself die away,
Yesterday life said to me, “life is gay”,
Today I find myself fade with the dying ray!
Yesterday life said to me, “don’t look at the side that is grey”,
Today I find my friends do me betray,
Yesterday life said to me, “when in conflict pray”,
Today I find myself led astray!
Yes! Tis yesterday that life said to me, “live for others”,
Today I find myself in the gutters,
Yesterday life said to me, “listen patiently to what one utters”,
Today I find that down are all the shutters!
Yesterday life said to me, “never must you wealth accumulate”,
Today if find myself unfortunate,
Yesterday life said to me, “you must everyone appreciate”,
Today I find unhappiness my doors illuminate!
Yesterday life said to me, “I take you into my custody”,
Today I find myself with thee!
What is life and what is it to be?
To know that is not for me!
Kavita Pal
21 July 1982