THE ONLY THING

Grey shabby four walls

Of that humble tenement,

Hovered like a face depressed,

Sallow and patchy,

The concrete facade peeling off

Like the fake layers of makeup,

Broken trunks,

Torn sheets,

Discoloured clothes,

Bony bodies,

A damp smell wafted

Mixed with the smell of masalas,

Oil and incense,

Creating a mysterious air

As I see the weak, frail figures

Peeping in wonder,

Those happy eyes watching

Me, looking awestruck

At everything,

The only thing that struck me 

Amidst the exiguous resources

Was the free flow of love,

Love swimming in the eyes,

Love emanating from those true hearts

Enveloping me,

Engulfing everything around. 

©®Madhumita