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Srikakulam District Report - Srikakulam Report |
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Jeevansaathis
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Page 8 of 8
Village Visits My favourite things...
the feeling of the reserved ticket
a train bound somewhere
space on the upper berth
treasured haunting memories
of people I did not meet
it would have to be...
Going nowhere to nowhere
off and on in a fraction
at the train's unlisted halts
seeking the way to villages...
where, where, where?
Welcoming unknown faces
hiding tragic tales in their bosoms
striking conversation in known terms
soothing, friendly, conventional, safe
wondering children giggling
waiting to be surprised
festive occasion, an unusual visitor.
And beckoning without beckoning
away from the tangible bickering
looking without looking
a bent, beaten, tired man,
over-worked, tearless, starved daughter
an un-straying, hurrying, naked toddler
passing me by as if no one came
telling without telling
tragic tales in their bosoms
leaving me alone in their village
with people conversing.
Sharing little comforts
drinking in the totality of communion
with promises to forge a future together
wishing good-byes to hearty people
one last look at connections made
in a friendly village,
but seeing without seeing
a broken man, an overworked daughter,
and a toddler hurrying away
and as the train leaves, thinking, hoping,
we connected without connecting.
--Ravi Kuchimanchi
We came as visitors and have stayed on without staying. We hope we have connected. The future years will tell us more. We thank those of you who supported us. We need your continued support for 2005-06. To make a contribution please make a tax-deductible donation on the AID site or by clicking here or contact us at khiyali[at]gmail.com. You can donate to support this project by clicking here .
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