On a Moonless Night in a Distant Land

It was a night,
Much like many others.
Yet so different it was,
In a faraway land.

I saw countless stars
Resting on a milky bed.
I saw shooting stars,
And forgot to make a wish.

Memories came unbidden,
Memories I had long forgotten.
A child staring wide-eyed,
Counting the uncountable stars.

Looking in joyful wonder
At the rain of light.
Half-closing his eyes,
Dreaming of a future that seemed distant.

All that I wish
Is for many more nights like that—
Sitting on my terrace
In my native city,

Looking at a sky
As clear as the one
I saw that night
In a distant land.

— Sanjay Chandra

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