I Had A Dream

By Prantik Roy

I had a dream the other day.

I stood near the open field;

the gayest of the flowers were there.

The winds drew a net above;

like prey, I felt it draw me near.

A dove

spread its blade,

cut the net that held me close.

Its eyes gleamed a star’s delight;

with graceful swings, it flew so high—

with no regrets, just a life it chose.

I longed to be a bird so fine,

to reach new heights,

to see new winds,

to coo a tale in the auburn sky

that reached none

but the ears of mine.

I had a dream that lit me up.

It harbored a brig, with the lights so dim

and the moonfed glow

of the darkest night.

It fell upon my face, so veiled;

the world felt queer,

like a different sight.

I wished the dream would never end—

the wind would sway,

the sky would cry,

enchanted beast

swould find their place, like I did.

A boy left stranded, with a heart to mend,

pretending to be someone

he’s  not.

But an army of rays

marched through my blinds.

My eyes were scorched as the sun would rise.

The dove flew far,

far away;

the soldiers left,

their arms at bay.

The wails filled my ears to a brim.

Baba, Maa—

they fought again.

For them,

it’s just another day.

By Prantik Roy