Uncle on the bench had something to say

 

Uncle on the bench had something to say

He was capable, but his capabilities muted his sentiments,

Sitting alone like a bird secluded from its flock,

Failing to understand, his very own feelings

Whether he was excited ? Or whether he was in shock ?

In early '50s, sitting in a park watching some kids play

Uncle on the bench had something to say.

 

Staring at wrinkles on hands that had just sprout,

Making aware of his age, grey hair made him doubt,

Will that kid mind if I ask him to make me play ?

I want to laugh a little,

Don’t know, when I laughed last

I wish to run around, just like them,

Someone holding my hands would make my day,

Uncle on the bench had something to say

 

Not too old to give up on life,

Not too young to start from scratch,

But missing out on something for sure, one can easily catch,

His hand covers his forehead now,

Trying to avoid everything around,

Closing all his senses, except his mind,

Saying "Dear thoughts, please be kind.

Let my heart talk, make some way"

Uncle on the bench had something to say.

 

Before it’s too late, when I need support,

To walk, to sit, to eat, to get basic comfort,

Before crutches, crushes my love for jogging,

Before hearing aid destroys my mood of listening

To music, especially instrumental, which inspires my singing.

I want to live now, celebrate every day, every moment.

Retirement has time, but never know, when Life may betray,

Uncle on the bench had something to say.

 

I approached him, he was ofcourse surprised,

He was about to leave in disguise,

I asked him, "Is everything okay?"

After taking a few steps, he mumbled, “It’s my birthday"

I smiled and greeted, and he happily reciprocated,

Figuring out if he has got his friends/family,

"Aaahaan, it's me alone, with my own company".

He patted my shoulder, smiled and walked away,

Uncle on the bench had something to say.

                                                                  - Shingala : The Storyteller