LAMP POST

I am a sturdy lamp post, passed many decades,

the responsibility is even greater -
I do the work of the day's sun at night.
The sun has rest when silvery ball is in glee.

 
I have no comfort of bed; Not complaining,

but it felt good to witness that day,
to see, a chapter seen with my own eyes.
I become a pillar for many, many memories -
those carried in my chest since before independence.

I have seen many patriots who stepped into youth,

being arrested with their heads held high.
I understood that value of life is not in longevity -

but its evaluation is in its depth, in sacrifice.

My mind would rush to the furthest extent of -

wilderness of this motherland. 
I complained millions of times, "Oh God, -
Why didn't you make me a human being?

I am helpless, just a like frozen cripple".

I am like a curse whose atonement will be -
imprisoning myself in this iron structure forever.
How cruel and ujust is love for one's life?
I have seen it sacrificed time and again.

I have become lifeless, emotionless, a silent witness.

I have shown the way through the night.

I have crossed more than a century of seasons.

Prasenjit Das©1997-2026