THE STEPS

I watch, as people keep moving up or down

Some time calmly, sometimes running in a hurry

Years rolled by, and I kept watching the family all the time

Every day, in and out, as their life goes on as a routine

The children, so frightened were they, of myself

Holding the side railing, their tiny feet stepped

Fast the time flew, they were now young and fast

No more climbing, every two steps they jumped

Running for school or football matches, they did

Ever restless young blood, I kept watching happily

The boy one day, absorbed in conversation, with lady love

Today he did sit, for hours talking, enjoying my comfort

Many more years had passed, but I still stood here

The next newborn kids had taken up the fast running

An Ambulance entered one day, and a stretcher moved inside

Carrying the ailing man, men did find it very difficult,

I heard the son and mother talking seriously near me

When  the Dad returns from the hospital, we will need

A wheelchair for dad to move becomes a must, Mom

We have to make a ramp and have to knock off the steps

I am now waiting on my last days, men to break me

I know well, that anyone with or without life here

Everything coming inside this world had to go, one day

Nothing to feel sorrow, I am happy that at least I served 

THE STRUGGLE

             
How long to tolerate this world so indifferent to us
We, mountain girls, day after day aiming hard for a win
With the anxiety of winning the gold every time, as
Respect and praise, a condition only if it is a win
 
In the early days when we started our journey long
With eyes only for victory, for the success achieved
As the grinding pain of an empty stomach often rebelled
No one cared and not a single soul thought of helping
 
Swallowed all insults at the practice group repeatedly
Our torn attire, bony body and bare feet without shoes
Of our inability to talk their high-spirited language,
Only the grid determination, struggle as my companions
 
We understood now the hypocritical views of the world
Eternal struggle and hard work are never counted
All the crown and praise rains only on the victors
A bundle of medals, gold, and silver is essential for respect
 
Now, the fate of our entire mountain clan learnt, I
Born poor, weak, still struggling for the country’s glory  
Without any appreciation or care for struggling so hard
Every eye is glued only to achieving the pinnacle of success
 
 The Realization dawned, on the needed path for my clan
 Their struggle every day is where they needed my support
 Will thrive to boost their ability with good guidance coaching
 So the future never sees our clan empty stomachs or bare feet