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Bapanna (baa.pun.nah)
Bapanna, my village postman
a very polite gentleman
cladded in his khaki dress
each villager, he could impress
in a voice, melodious most
he would greet us, 'amma post'
and deliver a letter or two
at times some bundles too
his messages thus replacing
very links of memories missing
of those who left their nest
for north, south, east or west
one could know when he’s arriving
from his characteristic humming
of songs and tunes very old
deeply touchy, of golden mold
troubled by sun in many ways
on those mid-summer mid-days
he would seek us, 'water please'
to slake his thirst and gain some ease
one would see him under the trees
finding shade or little breeze
maybe, he had a long day
yet his zeal would never fade away
he’d grab someone’s attention
into a little chatting session
discussing the current news
putting forth his original views
on occasions, at least a few
he cracked some jokes too
just to cheer up the mood
of someone lost in a brood
his mails mostly brought joys
unless he was left with no choice
at times when he had the wrong urn
he’d say, “ain’t none better than one”
his philosophy may be in vain
but as he knew the color of pain
he would share his tears to console
adding comfort to an aching soul
when one is caught in anticipation
in full of worries needing attention
he would say some words of hope
and prescribe him, 'a no to nope'
if one didn’t know English or Hindi
he would come very handy
in writing the ‘to address’
with his multi-lingual prowess
now I've left my native sands
and live in some distant lands
when I look back at the childhood bygone
Bapanna shines as the true Indian icon |
