The Orphan’s Joy

My steps faltered

And my eyes watered

As I walked into the Station

The Big Black Engine awaited me

With its Chimney spouting smoke.

‘Hurry, you ‘tardy little boy!

Or you’ll miss the train’

Barked my Uncle as he

Yanked at my arm harshly

Pulling me away…

Away from my home town

Away from my Childhood

And every memory of my dear Mother,

Who now resided in the Heavens.

Watching me , from up above.

The flowers from our garden

Were sill clutched between my tiny fingers

As they reminded me of the

Fragrance that wafted from her hair. 

So loving she had been…

But now it was over,

And I was being sent away…

To a School where

Boys were made strong Men,

As my Grandpa had said.

They were harsh, my family

After Mother departed from us.

They taunted and teased me as…

The Motherless or Broken

And finally decided to abandon me from their sight.

And just when I was gawking

At the shining dark metallic Giant

Droplets of the rain

Began to descend from the sky

And fell upon the two of us.

The droplets felt like miniature teardrops

As though the Skies itself felt my pain.

Or maybe it was my Mother…

‘Don’t cry, Ma… I’ll be fine, I’m strong!

Though I miss you much

And yearn for your warmth

I shall do what…

I need to do.’ I called out at the skies.

And as if It responded,

The Train gave a shrill cry of excitement

And spouted huge clouds of White smoke

As though welcoming my Presence

Just as mother used to, with incense smoke

When I used to return at Prayer-time from school.

And all of a sudden

My pain was forgotten

And I revelled in joy at being Accepted after so long.

I felt as if it were a sign from up above

For me to join the Train…

And Move on, leaving behind my Pain.