A Stifled Love Poem by Rajendran Muthiah

He sat on the same stone
fifty years ago, this same day
In the shades of the age old tree.

It is his custom to visitthis temple
when he goes to his village afar.
He took farewell from her in this same place.

His mousy youth flashed in his mind.
A sixteen year boy is made to prostrate
In a court Of villagers for no fault made.

He never tried to see her face again
despite her messengers now and then;
but his heart aches for his refusal to meet.

He came here today to mark the golden jubilee
of their stifled love without any rites.
Her betrayal stilllingers in his heart!

When he opened his eyes after a while
A ripe old lady was standing there in tears.
"Forgive me for my mistake", she said.

No words they spoke but tears they shed.
She put her face on his shoulders and wept.
His query of her children brought back her smiles.

They Were forbidden to wed in life
but god is gracious to make them meet
before their death for comforting their souls.