Autumn Time of a Nation

As I moved to the venue of our residential complex 

to join , partake in the 78th independence day celebrations 

multiple thoughts raced to my mind and sped away 

On the one hand ours,  a nation with a great, hoary past

yet on the other, seemingly a young country 

if counting done, from date of independence  

Whichever way you look at it, Bharat, India , Hindustan

has come full circle, to a state of autumn time 

time to introspect on the losses, gains and the way forward

During the event, I sang a Hindi film song

A song of early independence days, urging countrymen

to leave past behind- the sadness, resentments and complaints

and embrace a new future of hope, possibilities

 opened up by science, technology and willingness to work hard 

Autumn time evokes a sense of transition, reflection 

appreciate the efforts of the past, achievements thus far 

yet willing to let go of old beliefs, habits, relationships

that no longer serve us- shake off the feelings of divisiveness

disruption, discord, disarray, disharmony

A seemingly simple task, made so difficult

by vested interests, not wanting us to move forward

but eternally live in the past, dwelling on the differences 

Differences in attire, worship, languages, social habits 

Our true nature though is all about the similarities 

similar longing for love, peace, happiness 

looked at this way, don't we all want the same things !

Autumn time is the right time, for a person, firm or nation 

to reach out for the gathered wisdom of lived experiences 

conserve energy for future challenges 

rather than fritter it away on the trifles 

have a deeper connection , sense of community 

Autumn draws attention to the impermanence 

reminding us of the inevitable cycle of birth and death

she encourages you to cherish the present 

have a balance between work and rest

to contemplate and find peace 

Key is not being a pawn to sinister designs ,

reminding ourselves again and again

that we are all souls in human bodies

of different colour, shape, sizes

but with the same flame of light within

What better time to remind ourselves

of the common heritage, culture, ethos 

brotherhood and bonding of generations 

"Born and living in this same great country 

we all love our mother, from the bottom of our hearts! "  

NB: This Poem has been included in the anthology "Auburn Ambrosia" published by Soul Scribers Society for the Yercaud Poetry Festival.