Lost hikers find a solvable maze before a town arrives, prompting Kushal’s whimsical preparation for another trek with odd supplies, exclusively for Different Truths.

Two lost hikers on the ridge, 
then in that narrow lane 
between two white and green rocks,
find the maze solvable. 
They depart when the town arrives 
with its cobblestone streets, 
slow traffic and shops selling 
hiking gears.

Even the moss stuck on the shoes
has a longer stay in life, but that too 
is washed away this afternoon 
because I have little else to do.
I may fill a backpack with the wrong map
and a metronome, ready myself 
for another footslog.

Picture design by Anumita Roy

Kushal Poddar

Kushal Poddar, the author of ‘A White Cane for the Blind Lane’ and ‘How to Burn Memories Using a Pocket Torch’, has ten books to his credit. He is a journalist, father of a four-year-old, illustrator, and editor. His works have been translated into twelve languages and published across the globe.

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