Do I Belong ?

May 7^th, 2007 – The day I landed in India after almost a year. The day I had been looking forward to, for quite some time. And the last 17 days have been an unexpected experience. One of the perpetual questions I have been asked by friends and family alike is “Will you come back or settle there?” Earlier, I never took this question seriously, but since I had nothing better to do during this vacation, I started thinking. And the following is an attempt at putting into words, some of my musings. One of my very few shots at poetry writing – anyone who has experience of dealing with poetry, please pardon the mistakes. Novices, read on….

A year ago, it was hard to leave
With an anxious heart and joy skin deep
A world to explore, an ambition to achieve
With friends left behind, many promises to keep
But today I’m back and it’s hard to believe
It’s all a mirage; Is it mine to keep?

Do I belong or do I not?
I need to know for life is too short

It’s a whole new world, with surprises to show
A curve on every road that I don’t know
It’s tough to drive; the heat is in full flow
My online life has suddenly gone slow
Messaging is cheap; call prices are low
There’s lots to eat – that’s all I know

Do I belong or do I not?
I need to know for life is too short

The economy is up and earnings do rise
But the country burns as communities collide
Our industries conquer and grow in size
But hungry farmers still commit suicide
I’ve grown up with it all, but it’s still a surprise
Much more so, when I see it from outside

Do I belong or do I not?
I need to know for life is too short

Coming back to myself, I contrast and compare
In the year I spent away, there were times of despair
But times at home have given me a scare
Old friends are busy, new ones are rare
Life here moves too fast as I stand and stare
Am I too confused, or am I being unfair?

Do I belong or do I not?
I need to know for life is too short

The pursuit of happiness is a journey within
Every place has its sorrow; every place has its sin
Journeys end; Friends depart
A new chapter is always there to start
‘Live in the moment’ is what they say
And carry the memories forever to stay

I might belong or I might not
I need to smile for life is too short!