People streaming,

tea vendors screaming,

magazine stalls teeming

with children beaming.

Porters with luggage rushing,

commuters shoving and pushing,

the public address system blaring,

people near the indicator staring.

The railway bridge is no longer a sea of calm

as the train is arriving on another platform.

Some people hurriedly cross the railway tracks

with heavy bags laden on their backs.

The train soon enters gracefully

and people wait to board anxiously.

Hugs and kisses are exchanged hastily

and goodbyes uttered tearfully.

The whistle is blown,

the green flag is shown

and the train leaves the platform

leaving some glad and some forlorn.

For some, the journey is done.

For some, it’s yet to begin.

But for all, the journey must continue -

until the end is clearly in view.

Gita Ashok

5/10/2010, 11 am