THE FRUIT LADEN TRUCK

( Inspired by my pal Saurabh Gupta's " Life Gone By " )

Born in a hardscrabble family,
he sought a better existence.
Till now his life had been
at the mercy of providence.

His lady love had abandoned him
after several years of togetherness.
She had given him illusive promises
and left him in a state of bitterness.

He realised the world doesnt care
for those who dont have the buck.
He left home to find a better base
where he could try his luck.

He travelled from one town to another,
knocked on several doors.
But, no one would entertain him,
not even the local whores.

He was in tatters, his pockets were empty
and so was his stomach.
That is when, for the first time he stole,
stole from the fruit laden truck.

After several such escapades,
he evidenced where his true talent lies.
It didn't take him long to achieve,
the underworld's unattainable heights.

He became the most dreaded Don,
the mafia king, who was unknown to very few.
The police no longer weary of this fact,
ignored the past futile attempts and started anew.

The task force was deployed to obliterate him.
They ensnared him at his bethel.
With no means to escape,
he welcomed the bullets as they ripped his shell.

The unvanquished's eyes were getting closed
as death made its presence known.
Before he breathed his last, he saw nothing but,
the fruit laden truck alone.