THE DAWN

After a restless night
A tired city woke up to a tired dawn
Engulfed by smog- sunrays weren’t any bright
Gone were the chirpy days- the trees also stood withdrawn

The sickly vapor lights reinforced the dullness within
An occasional jogger passed along- looking forlorn and lonely
Life was slowly dragging feet- another dull day was to begin
What a colorless way to live-I was ruing my destiny

Suddenly a cheerful crowing pierced the dullness- thick and frozen
As if the trance was broken- I jerked awake and looked around
Existing (it can’t be called living, for sure!) in a butcher’s small, smelly pen
Nonchalant of death staring down, a magnificent cock welcomed the dawn

Normalcy returned as if a magic wand touched one and all
The morning seemed fresh and bright
I was bemused- the poor cock responded to beauty and never thought to shirk his call
Life is short, painful and unjust- but long faces only prolong misery’s onslaught.

I would like to hope the butcher set it free and not sell
Yet I know it is unlikely-get killed it must and be devoured
But his attitude earned him rave farewell
He saved an entire city from endless self pity and richly deserved
To be called- HERALDER OF DAWN