An evocative poem about a Special Needs child, by Jaya, exclusively for Different Truths.
At the school gate
Blank, half-awake feet walk in
Trudging along drowsily
Reluctant to let go of the dream
Led firmly by the bigger feet.
Some wait to be joined by other feet
Move together, in slow companionship.
Some pause, contemplate turning back
Many outright reluctant to cross the gates
Find it inevitable now as the bell rings.
A pair of wheels gently carry a pair of feet
Through the gates into this world of hopes and freedom.
The gates close to the world outside.
Hours slowly pass by pushed forward in the period bells.
The gates open to give over the feet
Faces rush out
Releasing stories flying into the world outside.
Pouring sheer excited experiences into each other
Heady mixes of narratives
Stories heaped upon stories.
A pair of wheels carry a story
Thrilled and joyous
Weaving into other stories
As far as the threads of voice could carry them.
Photo from the Internet
Dr. Jaya writes along with travelling and doing theatre to explore pathways to her innermost self. She is a mother of a spirited fighter 12-year-old son for heroes can come in all sizes. She is teaching in the
Department of English at the University of Allahabad.
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