FACES IN THE CROWD

FACES IN THE CROWD

As I passed through the thoroughfares,

And I went to different beach.

Skipped and jumped

As the water, dashed, against the shore.

I met those myriad faces many,

Unknown, new and fresh

I gazed at them and thought…

Was I fated to come across them?

Someone you met in another life comes back to meet you.

I rifled for signs…

No, none whatsoever.

Yet faces and faces many.

There was no obligation to-unmask.

I persisted myself

Allowed those faces to pass by-

Faces and faces many!

Fleeting tarry…

A lone girl at the bust stop,

Looks up, for sure but looks through me.

I feel the twilight hour creeping.

As I look on I watch the stars take over the sky.

The Sun beating, a hasty retreat.

The whole scenario transforms…

Lulled by the touch of time.

Faces and Faces many!

Some throwing themselves on the benches arranged in rows.

Such orthodoxy…

Why are the dashing waves silent?

Are they pushed by the sound of unheard voices?

Of faces, MANY.

A sea it is that beats a placid lake.

Or was that a stop for the human voices…

To surge ahead, make a conscious ripple.

Unknown, myriad faces MANY!

Mamta Banerjee