Last of the Seasons

The old man sat cold and huddled 

after all, it was winter time

had seen it all- the spring n summer

of childhood and youth, autumn of middle age 

and now reached the last of the seasons   

Had embraced life whole heartedly

everything that came his way 

yet now he felt stuck at a dead end 

as if there's nothing more to be done

just wait for the last breath... 

His best friend, two years senior

chided him often, over phone

when they met in person 

don't despair he said, just sink into 

the coolness of winter

just slip into warm clothes to beat the cold 

and life can still be fun! 

Being open , warm and smiling 

is the passport to all hearts - they are

gladly welcomed by pets, friends, strangers 

so do not despair, enjoy the journey 

while it's still on...

nothing is over until it's over! 

NB:   This poem was written for the Yercaud Poetry Fest anthology "Winterful Whispers"  which was released at Hotel Royal Orchid Mysore on 6th January 2024.