by Chanchal Sarin
I left my village several decades ago Thought of visiting my birth place Where I spent my childhood Memories echoing fast Church still there Although in ruins Looks like an old bungalow Silence, peace and tranquility prevails Airy yard with Mother Mary’s statue Small cross, painted dull red Installed at the top of the building Overlooking a small street Witnessing all happenings in the village People leaving, migrating to cities St Peter’s Church Standing amid a dusty expanse In the village of my childhood era The prayer hall The wooden benches Decked with ribbons Stacked Bible books Hall empty, it is weekday Devotees come on Sundays I walked on the marble floor My footsteps echoing Windows closed Daylight peeping through the drawn curtains Christ in white robe Standing on the altar Two little winged angels in pink on the sides Bending towards the Christ On the walls are the images of Christ’s crucifixion Jesus falling the third time Jesus robbed of his garments Jesus nailed to the cross Jesus dies on the cross Inside the church I felt marooned in an oasis of peace and silence A very soothing to the mind Home coming I felt.
Dr. Chanchal Sarin worked for her Ph.D. (Genetics) under the world-renowned Geneticist, the father of green revolution in India Prof. M.S. Swaminathan. She retired as Associate Professor, University of Delhi, India. Dr. Sarin has authored seven books on Genetics and Biology, and several articles on research and popular science. She has also contributed in many anthologies of poems during last few years.
Chanchal, over the years, had been actively involved in various scientific and welfare organisations to promote welfare of women and children, creating interest among students and young generations to serve the community for eliminating ignorance and increase scientific temperament.
She is settled with her husband in Gurgaon, India. Her two children, a daughter, and a son, work as medical specialists in NHS, UK.