Rain Games

As I see rain drops perforating

through the branches and leaves

of my office window,

I wonder how contrasting fates

people can have in this world.

This rain is a romance

for the young hearts

that have just started to flutter.

They soak themselves in rain

get drenched in each other’s arms,

and sing songs of love.

They are watched by the birds

who scamper back to their nests,

to shelter their ‘little ones’,

whose feathers do not have enough flight yet.

From my window I can see on the street

a vegetable vendor covering his cart

stretching plastic sheets all over.

His wife who walks along his side

tries to hide their small baby

sitting on the cart,

under those same plastic sheets.

Their produce and progeny

both in need of a better shelter.

They push their cart with bare hands

and run on the watery street on bare foot,

hoping that the rain will subside.

But rain has been heavy this season.

Lakes have breached their banks;

Homes and streets have been flooded;

Pavement dwellers have lost their ‘home’.

The municipal commission is happy though

as their reservoirs are full.

But commuters curse

with more traffic logjams

and ever increasing gaping potholes.

Just then a news flashed, 

of farmers on the verge of ‘extreme’

feeling rejuvenated by the showers.

Rain plays so many games

all at the same time.

It tingles some hearts;

It fills some hearts with sorrow.

Rain brings uncertainty;

Rain also brings hope.

Rain brings cheer;

It also triggers fear.

For some rain means luck;

Rain for others wreaks havoc.

Rain is a joy;

Rain is also a ‘ploy’.

Rain is white;

Rain is black.

Rain is beautiful;

Rain is horrid.

As I watch the rain drops

I work for my livelihood.

I am waiting for rain to stop

so that I can go back home,

to my sweet heart and my son.