A Chequered Pattern

M. G. NARASIMHA MURTHY

With mirth and Innocence
The eye of childhood shone
And beheld a lovely vision
Of joy and fun–
A journey thrilling
At every turn
Along the silver stream of life!

The romance of youth
Came tripping on its toes:
A fantasy of rainbow hues
And glittering stars
With the smiling crescent
On the mountain’s ridge
And the golden sun at dawn!

Then came manhood’s prime
Striving for wealth and fame,
Entycing dreams and alluring aims,
Until serene age
Did unravel Life’s warp and woof­–

A chequered pattern
Of light and shade,
Of dreams realised
And shattered hopes
Woven side by side!

An endless rhythm
Of stress and strain,
While the heart throbbed
With joy intense
As well as grief and pain­–

Illusions pierced
With anguish keen,
The soul awakened
And knew what life did mean:
A vain pursuit
Of pleasures evanescent
While abiding peace dwelt deep within!