Change

The young engineer paid little attention

simply nodded, smiling politely

even as his manager discoursed, eloquent

about changes in nature, intensity

of relationship with spouse


"You only have to re-read the letters

we exchanged over the years

to notice, appreciate, the shift in priorities"


The words in the initial years were passionate

more of "My dear", "Darling", "Sweetheart"

of how much she missed you, longing for reunion


slowly, the main narrative became of the children

of what son did, daughter did and how as mother, she handled


Focus of content became more practical- Have you booked gas?

purchased the new text books for the new classes?

with time, the length of letters diminished

became even more matter of fact- We are fine here

hope the same with you!


As the boss in his forties rambled on

the youngster felt distracted, all these were

of no immediate significance

after all he was a free bird, a bachelor!


In his mind, he thought "This man is so unromantic

As and when I find my love, there would be no shifts

the intensity would remain forever-

with love expressed in every moment! “


Now years later, a seasoned family man himself

he couldn't help admitting, sighing to himself

"That man was right after all!"


Ah, change cannot be wished away

It's as inevitable, as the rising and setting sun

as natural as the changing seasons- spring to summer

then monsoon, autumn, winter

back to spring again!


If there is anything at all that's constant

permanent in this world, it's change

acknowledging, accepting, embracing it

to be able to adapt, overcome challenges and win

is the key to a satisfying life! 

NB: This poem was composed for and recited at the online poetry meet of Seniors Today Poetry group on 31st August 2025