A big bunch of hopes and dreams
some to start with new careers
others hoping to practice as doctors
some to see their loved ones overseas
others to earn few more pennies.
With a pack of dreams, boarded the flight
Seat belts fastened with hope and trust
Clicked selfies with smiles and eyes bright
Bon Voyage message to their delight
was still flashing in mobiles at their sight.
Plane zoomed through the runway
Wings and flaps geared up in the sky
Just a few hundred feet lifted up high
Flight’s thrust lost, started dipping, nay
Pilot yelped loud Mayday Mayday.
Hit the medical hostel with big thump
Ball of flame engulfed the scene up
Doctors’ building razed and healers gone
Stethoscopes lie dumped to the ground
Promises perished and stories stalled.
Oh! mothers’ wails and fathers’ cries,
Now haunt Ahmedabad’s dark skies.
In a minute, dreams turned to ashes
Alas! in each heart a memory stays,
Of voices lost in smoke and blaze.
…..Narayan Gadagkar