There's warmth in the air. A familiarity in the smells That waft up to his senses. Recollections come, Wrapped in a blanket of haze. And his smile begins to break. Is that a school visible in the distance? Wonder why it looks so familiar When did I come here last? And then, his smile begins to break. How many years has it been now? His mind tries to calculate The years that he had been away Where is the pond with its brilliant white lilies? Was there someone who used to beckon me to its banks? Then, his smile begins to break. Why have I come here? He bids his mind to recollect A sense of connect I feel; Established many years back, from present? Did someone, long ago Made me promise To come back here one day? Why do I perceive the soul of the ancient Under the garb of modern? He stands and ponders. The smile then, Sometimes of recollection, Sometimes of bewilderment, Plays on his face.

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