In My Old Days

Early morning todayAs I lay awakeHalf asleep, half dreamyI heard an old man say
"In my old days,"His voice drifted inThrough my window"We celebrated it different."
It was the morning of DiwaliThe festival of LightThe celebration of the homecomingOf beloved Lord Ram's first sight
"I only had 6 rupees,6 coins were theyAnd when my friends came,I never hesitated."
"We'd go to the local melaAnd we'd rejoice in thatBecause there was only oneFor everyone around."
I couldn't agree moreSilently, I observed his pietyAnd remembered the many melasOne in each society.
"3 coins we'd spendTravelling to and froAnd 3 coins we'd keepFor playing any game we chose"
"Our tummies used to be stuffedWith our mother's festive recipes:Chick peas and potato curryJalebi, Laddoo, Besan ki Barfi"
"And yet when we'd seeThe icecream trollyWe'd dig out each other's pockets and shareThe orange ice lolly"
"In my old days,"He quoted again"I had a lot of fun,Without any luxury, we'd hate no one."