Memories of Madras

 
The Madras I knew was a magical place
Sunshine subdued by it covers of shade
The roads seemed busy with the rush of humanity
The rush I observed behind secluded walls
Beside these gates sat women working
At their feet lay mats and blinds of their making
The ease of their conversation and cheer in their voices
Made one feel at home no matter what one faces
The community lived and worked as one
Family in the worldly sense lost its meaning here
For what would one call those who are not blood
And yet care for each other just as much?
The roads seemed pristine as possible to be
The hustle and bustle forgotten, so inherently free
The sun shone bright as the days grew lazy
A carefree world was all I saw
The sunset brought an end to daily proceedings
As the birds wound their way home in clouds of ebony
The city broke its hurried pace
To reveal desolate streets of peaceful reminiscence 
The shops seemed bright and lighting garish
But inviting to my curious mind
Everything from shoes to ice-cream
Found in one place, in nooks and crannies
The times I had in this wonderful place
Shall always live on in my memory forever
Even though they have all changed
As Madras moves on in its quest to be Chennai