Suppressed sobs

Hesitant steps noiseless

The old man and the young woman,

She hidden behind her father,

Entered into my cabin.

He opened a packet of old news-paper

Upon my table and started count

Carefully taking out each piece of currency.

"Rupees Five Thousand to deposit in her name.

She‘ll come and collect interest every month."

There is a practice very popular

To add the spouse’s name also

A joint account payable to

"Either or Survivor"

I suggested.

A subtle quiver she like a leaf

In the still of midnight air

"He’s in the army

Gone with Peace Keeping Force...

Received telegram- a thunder- bolt...

This amount...emergency relief..."

Did the old man could complete?

But I heard the full.

I saw her neck and forehead bare

Darkness of sorrow in the depth of eyes.

Listen to radio for news of war

Or cricket commentary

I enjoyed both.

The war a distant thunder

But now the suppressed sobs

Disturbs my conscience.