The Lost Child*

The first day of spring, festivities and fairs
the whole village was decked in bright hues of yellow
inspired by the yellow fields basking in the yellow sun
a visit to the fair promised to easger little ones.

one such little bundle of energy stood wide eyed
tempted to run through the fields chasing dragon flies
tempted to throw stones into the canal;watch ripples disturb the calm
his heart bursting with joy; Baba was taking him to the fair.

Balloons; a delightful splash of colors on each
swaying in the breeze; each craving freedom from its restraining twine
"Baba, i want that red balloon"
Refused; too old to be still playing with a balloon.

the sweet smeel of delicious mithai wafted across
tempted by the mouthwatering gulab jamuns, jalebis and barfis
"Baba, i want a jalebi".
Refused again; dejected; asked to behave.

The playful hypnotic sounds of the snake charmer's flute
the little one mesmerised; entranced by the mysterious,
"Baba, i want to see a snake show".
Refused yet again; an evil influence this lot.

The shriek of happy children riding a merry go round,
"Baba, i want a ride on that".
Silence; "Baba,...." ; Silence again.
Alarmed eyes; frantically searched all around for his Baba.

Those big beautiful eyes, now flooded with tears,
first a stiffled sob; now a full throated bawl,
scared, the boy ran as fast as his little feet could.
Fighting the despair and terror slowly taking over.

Tears streaked down the dusty face, voice hoarse with despair,
the dejected child sat down; eyes closed ; resigned to his fate.
a kindred soul passing by took pity; picked up the boy,
between stiffled sobs, the boy managed " I want my Baba!".

Perplexed the man continued, "Little one, would you like a ride on that merry go round?"
Indignant, the child screamed " I want my Baba!".
Concerned, the man said " Look! would you like to see that snake show?"
Adamant, the child still screamed" I want my Baba! ".

Patient, the man pressed on "Surely you wont say no to a nice, juicy jalebi, would you?"
The child shook his head, screamed "I want my Baba!".
Finally, " Hush little one, would you like a colorful balloon?"
The child sniffed; after a while said softly " I only want my Baba....".

*- Inspired by a short story of the same title by M.R.Anand.