Teacher of Time

I never thought the world would stop like this—just freeze!
That busy streets would fall silent, not one horn would sound,
that the tong-tong clatter of tea stalls would simply cease,
that steam would no longer paint the vendor's lips,
that shopping malls would lose their rush in an instant,
that all footsteps would halt—I never imagined this before!

It never crossed my mind that the world could grow so solitary,
that snack vendors would stand without their crowds,
that no lovers' shadows would fall in restaurants,
that rickshaw drivers at three-way crossings would no longer call,
"Uncle, where to?"

I never even thought
that finding empty roads, forest creatures would venture forth fearlessly,
that along the seashore crabs would multiply, coastal birds would nest thick.

I never knew
that finding seas free of humans, dolphins would wake to boundless play,
celebrating day and night their festival of living as they please!
Ah, given the chance, nature too can dress herself like a queen!

I never understood that even beggars wandering streets for daily bread
carry hearts vast as the whole world, holding deep love for humanity—
space enough to give away a lifetime's savings, unconditionally, selflessly!

It never entered my head
that under beds lie oil reserves,
that even in famine, some young boars steal relief supplies, filling warehouses,
that those we know as great men, even in these dark days,
have blood that runs with hunters and looters!

Time never taught me
that everything I have is worthless if I myself don't survive!
What value does this life hold if it serves no one?
Is this life still only my own life?