Is there anybody there?

pradip-chattopadhyay Poems

Total parrot care Cried the signboard In the narrow sleepy by-lane I gave it a dreamy stare. I have been too rare on this road Coming this way was no need But when I chanced upon that signboard My search ended for parrot feed. Is there anybody there? I echoed de la mare Found none at the counter Not even the shopkeeper! Dismayed I looked around If some human semblance could be found But fell nothing in my gaze Other than a parrot in a cage! Turning to leave I was stopped by a voice *Find here sir a variety of choice Not just parrot feed Under one roof all that they need.* Who is speaking I asked in awe There wasn’t a human face I saw But could tell it with certainty There were eyes watching me. *Don’t leave sir without the delicious pellet Once you take it you’ve to come back Serves well a parrot’s palate The bird loves this crunchy snack.* It now emerged who was playing the trick I was hearing parrot speak None other there not one human folk The shop was run by parrot talk! *I scampered out with one long hop Disappeared the lane the parrot shop I was tossing on my sweated bed By this funny dream that rocked my head!*