The Captive and the Free

Queried one,

What is it to be free?

You who walk the road,
Alone, pensive, with a backpack,
Answer me.

Does your throat never sting
Because a scream stifled
Its dead carcass, decayed and left
The stench of unfulfilled feelings?

Does your step never falter
Stumbling on a responsibility
Or at crossroads, faced
With decisions that matter?

Does the air taste sweet
On the top of a mountain
Deep breaths filled in untamed chest
With all ties miles below your feet?

How deep is your slumber
As you lay under the stars
Wind singing lullabies in your ear
The mind free of thoughts that encumber?

Does your heart feel light
Because it aches not for anyone
And your limbs, nimble like wings,
Not a care to hinder your flight?

Answered the other,

I  have screamed till my throat is hoarse
But never a soul has heard it
I have never stumbled
But I know not, the goal of my unhindered course

I have tasted the sweet air near the heaven
But not the salt of tears
I know the peace of deep sleep
But not the reason to awaken

My heart and limbs know no pain
But yours know the warmth in a caress
I am captivated by your captivity
The flowery, tender chain.

Written on 28 and 29th Sept, 2011