Civilizations crumbled,
when people once sat together,
sharing joy and sorrow,
visiting each other’s homes with ease.

Weddings, birthdays,
any occasion of delight—
they sang, they laughed,
and together carried the weight of work.

At an aunt’s or uncle’s wedding,
the day brimmed with mischief and cheer.
Children formed their own little gang,
while elders gathered in their circle.

Potatoes peeled, peas shelled,
women frying breads in rhythm,
dividing the cook’s labor,
painting the air with laughter.

Respect flavored relationships,
decorating eyes with tenderness.

Civilizations crumbled,
when people once sat together…

Comforts were few,
but confusion was none.
In that simple age,
responsibility was shared.

The chaos of Holi,
the sparkle of Diwali—
hearts carried no grudges.
They fought, they quarreled,
yet always found their way back to one another.

Civilizations crumbled,
when people once sat together,
sharing joy and sorrow,
visiting each other’s homes with ease.