Alone

 I've been a part of sleepless nights with a pair of warm socks which were the only thing that could comfort me. While the elephants trumpeted out in the world, I would just pee in my sheets and sleep through my deeds. For I was all alone. 

I've been a part of playing alone with a dust coated, worn out kitchen set. Where I would whisk thoughts in a bowl and saute what my Father told and garnish the dish with some fables and rhymes. For I was all alone. 

I've been a part of occupying the corner of my class and keeping to myself. While the teacher praised and cheered the popular kid's work, I would write letters and notes as if I wore coats that would help cure the world or save its people. For I was all alone. 

I've been a part of the books that I've read, gained wisdom that never found fruition. While the world awed and welcomed the achievers but I stood like a teacher eating salads in locked rooms. For I was all alone. 

And the future looks nothing but merry, because I'm the one who never anticipates. While the onlookers would just look down on me reproachfully, I'd just try to balance and tread callously on paths that weren't laid down for me. For I've always preferred to be alone.

-Kasturi Ghosh