Poem : The Taste of Homecoming

 The Taste of Homecoming

( This poem is based on a true life incident which took place on a stormy evening of 1988 at Kendrachal , Central Govt Colony. Lucknow )

It rained, rained, and rained, Thunder echoed all around. I sat in the balcony, watching, Kendrachal colony wrapped in storm. We were at home — My mother, brother, and I. Each flash of lightning Raised the fears inside me high. I strolled in restless silence, Father was still not back home. Then — a gentle knock at the door. Off to my heels I fled. Father stood there, drenched, Merciless rain clinging to his frame. I brewed four cups of tea, The most tasteful tea of years. And I wondered — Was it the flavor of tea, Or the sweetness of a dear one Home again?

- Pankaj Mala Bhattacharya