Deepak Sawhney - A tap on the shoulder

It was a dark and dreary night,
Starless, with wisps of mist
Absent shadows for company
As I trudged up the mountain track
Heading back home with my rucksack.
Yesterday I had followed the same path down
To look up a dear Joey’s mom
From childhood with whom I had grown.
Knowing her end was close, she had called my name once
As I entered, I knew she was aware of my presence
She opened her eyes, smiled wistfully
Looked towards me without seeing, feebly
Raised an arm as if to bless
But she could barely whisper a caress.

In today’s twilight, I am returning, heading home
Peering, looking for the next break in the mist
I know on the left is a sheer drop
On the right the steep mountain crop.
I feel a gentle tap on my shoulder
An eerie moment, involuntarily I shudder
Then shrugging it off I increase my pace
Then moments later, another tap
I hesitatingly turn around