We were going on a holiday, <br />And as we came on the highway. <br />I quietly prayed <br />For one nagging fact <br />Was weighing on my mind- <br />The state of the highway and the bumpy ride. <br /> <br />I shifted my glance to the wayside farms, <br />And tried to remain calm. <br />Though my nerves were taut <br />I took out my pen and pad and wrote. <br /> <br />Soon my mind got distracted, <br />And the sights of the road attracted <br />And aroused my sense of humour. <br />I was overcome with fervour. <br /> <br />A herd of donkeys and a truck overloaded with sugarcane <br />Caught my eye from the windowpane, <br />There were pedestrians and cyclists <br />Who were trying to save themselves from being hit. <br /> <br />In a mad race <br />All trying to find space. <br />I began to feel light <br />It was truly a sight. <br /> <br />The road was full of chaos <br />It filled me with pathos. <br />Blaring horns, mad rush to overtake, <br />Who cares if others lives are at stake? <br /> <br />Is India really on the move? <br />The traffic on the road didn’t prove. <br />We really have no civic sense, <br />I helplessly felt. <br /> <br />I put my head against the back rest <br />And recalled the expressions of the guests, <br />From overseas, who are amazed <br />How we can drive and remain unfazed. <br /> <br />I said it is not really funny, <br />But the truth is we put our fate in the hands of destiny.<br /><br />Mamta Agarwal<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/while-going-on-a-highway/
