Today, I saw a balloon vendor wander down our row,
His stick is adorned in hues of red, yellow, and a vibrant rainbow.
“Yellow, red, blue, orange; choose any color you like,
Just a few coins, a simple price for delight.”
Innocent eyes glimmered with a flicker of hope,
Yet fear kept them frozen; none dared to approach.
Once more, his voice echoed through the narrow alleys,
As his sharp gaze scanned the children’s twinkling eyes,
From shattered windows, they peeked down below,
Their souls were drawn to colors, they longed to know.
“These shades are the essence of life; look closely, dear child!
Each hue holds a path to joy, each dream harmonized.”
A little girl smiled, her spirit lively and bright,
He stretched out his balloon stick, an offering of light.
“Which color calls to you? Tell me, my dear,”
But in the thunderous blasts, no words could they hear.
“Which color calls to you?” lingered as his last song,
Their shared smile blurred while the world moved on.
***
Hindi (हिंदी)
आज फिर दिखा गली में, एक गुब्बारे वाला मुझे,
लाल, पीले सतरंगी रंगो से, थी उसकी छड़ी भरी,
“पीला, लाल, नीला, नारंगी, कोई भी रंग ले लो,
बस एक दो सिक्के क़ीमत, इसकी तुम दे दो।”
कुछ नन्ही आँखो ने, उसे देखा उम्मीद से
पर कोई जा ना सका खरीदने, गुब्बारे करीब से,
एक आवाज़ फिर उसने, गलियों में लगायी
एक पैनी सी नज़र उसने, उन बच्चों पर घुमायी,
जो इमारत की टूटी खिड़कियों से, उसे देख थे रहे,
पर उन्हें ख़रीदने की क़ीमत से, थे सभी डरे।
“देखो इन्हें गौर से, यही रंग है जीवन का
हर रंग में छुपा है, एक रास्ता ख़ुशी का।”
मुस्कुराकर एक बच्ची ने, फिर आवाज़ थी लगायी,
गुब्बारे वाले ने अपनी छड़ी, फिर उसकी तरफ़े बढ़ायी,
“कौन सा रंग तुमको लेना है, बिटिया?”
पर धमाके की एक गूँज में वह कुछ ना सुन पायी।
“कौन सा रंग तुमको लेना है, बिटिया?”
प्यार भरे थे, यही आख़िरी गीत उसके
हल्की सी हँसी, थी जो दोनों के बीच बिखरी,
एक गूँज में ही अब, हो गई धुंधली ।।
***
This poem is a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of children in war zones. It reminds us of the significance of small joys and the need for compassion and understanding in a world filled with turmoil.
The vendor represents a fleeting moment of happiness, offering a product and an experience. It is an opportunity for the children to dream and escape, even for a moment. His presence and engagement with the children shows the importance of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit.
The poem poignantly illustrates how something as simple as a balloon can spark hope and happiness amid adversity, allowing children to forget their circumstances and embrace life momentarily.
Leave a Reply