AN ACHE FOR AN ACHE

(IN MEMORY OF PUNE-BOMB BLAST)

He called me up, my friend from the land of dead.

My loved one was scarred, he said.

My loved one has lost forever many of its dears

And left a city of ghosts, fleeing its fears.

“Not again”, I said,

” ’cause I love every inch of this earth

And beyond too, if I knew,

What it is that colors the blue.”

“Whatever. But the news is true.

I’m telling you because I know you through and through.

You’ll feel the pain of a dozen families

And weep for the sins of half a dozen enemies.”

And so it was that a night before the test,

I was at my mournful best.

A mocking laugh sounded as the unrestful were laid to rest

And Yama held a billion’s pain to His heaving breast.