Dark skies, drizzling rain, The stillness of the morning. The rainswept greens Laugh at the grey skies. One depicts hope; the other, despair. It was not so long back That I had opened my bags and my mind In search of some solace; It was not so long back That I had to lock them once again. Rainswept days are comforting; They bring back blissful memories Of careless days When life meant more than rituals That have to be performed. Memories work both ways; They heal you inside, But at the same time, Sear the mind Which is still in search of that elusive dream. The river beside my house is full, The banks overflowing; I have seen this river in a dry summer spate, Just like our lives Switching between loss and redemption. There are monsoon journeys that are made; Fantastic hopes, lofty dreams, Journeys of life are often in the mind, That elate you And leave you longing...