Was always fascinated as a child
As I played snake and ladder
A dusty piece of wood ...a ladder ...
Majestically stood there ...supported against the wall in the yard
A place for we kids to hide our loot earned hard
And weave our stories and plan our escapades.
Innocently I thought ,Once I climb the ladder
And be up there ,my hands can reach out to sky
Cup handful of white cloud ,soft like cotton ball
Pluck stars to plant in my yard
Steal myriad hues of colours
From the rainbow to paint my home brighter.
When I finally made it to the top of the ladder
I was petrified...was there all alone ...under the blue canopy
Far away from the earth ...and no way near the sky!
Sky looked ominously black...darker
Earth looked prettier n greener
Felt the earth spin and I tossed up in air !
Still the ladder fascinates me
It takes me up there , yet keeps me firmly grounded.
Every time life threw challenges  ..harder
One  step at a time  I climbed of the ladder.
It  has long outlived its utility
Yet , it is my ladder of hope and aspiration
I look up to the dazzling brilliance of the blue
A peep into the world mysteriously wrapped
My dreams .....neatly strapped !