The Street LightSreehari sreekumar

By Sreehari Sreekumar

It was a moody night on a bustling street,

Pacey roads, night lights suiting up to serve

Vendors watching the clock

and the birds flocking to their nests.

With a small breeze ahead, she came

Rain; the uninvited guest.

all were in a hurry to hide from her

as if she’s throwing fireballs at us.

My legs followed the crowd in a reflex

I found shade under a tree near a street light.

I felt the lamp smiling at me

As my eyes were admiring its beauty.

‘How lucky it would be, to be admired by all

How lucky it would be, to view the city

Through seasons, in all its hues and tints.’

Said my inner voice, I envied.

The night light smiled at me.

Did it hear my words, did it see?

I felt its pulsing heart and

and heard its thoughts like it’s real.

The light spoke in an anguished voice,

“What luck in being wedged, helpless

And witness girls being mistreated.

Or watch the youth waste their age

Aimless, unruly and deviant.”

“What luck to see the empty stare

Of hungry eyes with naught to spare

While the pockets filled with wealth,

Being greedy for more, more and more.”

I stand as witness, frozen still

What purpose do I serve, I dread

If I can’t remove this dark evil

With the selfless light I spread

So spoke the street light, helpless yet,

A witness to a world in debt.

Its light may spread, but can it heal

A world where hate and fear thrive.

By Sreehari Sreekumar