LB Chhetri
Hello, you all
the young ones!
Where have you been?
Been to work, or to an inn?
A pendulum moves
now here, then there
Or a ball
flies at the strikers’strength
or dances to the players’ dribbling art
Thus, moving from
one’s game to another’s fate
being a political pawn
with flag and slogans
is no charisma
has no charm
Life is not a junk
it’s not a litter or waste
it’s a game
but not of filth and hate
Days, months and years
pass away
Hopes remain alive
for every morrow to become a happy day
But the rusty slogans,
gloomy nights and weary marches
never pay
Hey you
The street walkers!
The stony sleepers of the 21st century!
In everyone’s life
Time knocks
Catch it and invest wisely
Keep your patience alive
You are not a pendulum!
[Chhetri is a noted storywriter and a poet. His published works include three anthologies of short stories: Trishankuko Deshma, Indramayako Deshma and Bratbhanga, while Bhidma Harayeko Manchhe is his maiden collection of poems. He chairs Kavidanda Sahitya Samaj, a national literary organization with its head office in Chitawan.]