Forthwith, no go back by any chance

" I'm not convinced to go back",

apprised Mr. Patrick O' Joseph

horror looming over entire Europe,

d' life utterly uncertain, and unsafe

Left France a couple of months back,

port Le Havre, the boarding point

a cheer up world trek not tenable,

if Citroen C5, our pet vehicle is left

Embassy counseled them to shift,

to stay in comfort, in a safe zone

to the hotel booked at Bagdogra,

till an alternate provision is done

Lockdown declared last evening,

the immigration office is still open

our tourist visa stands canceled,

next course of action in d' doldrums

Crossed d' Bagha border off-hand,

last 3 wks, covered many locations

stayed a couple of days at Darjeeling,

started for d' National park at Chitwan

Stuck up here at d' Indo-Nepal border,

d' queen of hills, fresh in d' memory

loved her fog-covered dusky figure,

d' silhouette portraying a sweet story

Bid a goodbye till d' next morning,

to reappear steadily with d' rising sun

sparkling Kanchenjunga hypnotized us,

beyond d' greenery of d' tea gardens

Villagers heard, came last evening,

with fruits, milk, other eatable things

border got sealed, no entry to Nepal,

tried to assuage our hurtful feelings

Night stay fixed in Hanuman temple,

moved to village chief's house day next

occupied their guest room till date,

enjoy d' warm hospitality to our best

Down d' Suez canal to Port of Karachi,

a hilarious sea voyage of four weeks

amazing sunset of K2 in Karakoram,

in Hunza valley captivating icy peaks

India, a lovely nation rich in culture,

homemade food we relished together

sitting on d' floor, like family members

Indian hospitality, certainly a wonder

A cozy stay, far from corona horror,

a lot of peace, in the custody of God

God-loving people, it's God's abode

discipline d' foremost, luxury ignored

Here hearts are pure, lot of sacrifices,

complete obedience to d' leadership

salute d' corona warriors of d' country,

flawless instances of social service

In worship hours, we come to temple,

pray lord Hanuman with folded hands

"eliminate coronavirus from the earth,

save d' humanity, do this much grace"

Engulfed entire Europe in no time,

the pandemic spread like wildfire,

If d' death waits for them in France,

in its furious form, they aren't aware

"Keep social distance, stay at home,

the sincere call of this skillful leader

d' lockdown, solid boon for us also,

in France 30k deaths out of 6 crore

Embassy appealed, Govt. of India,

to plan a chattered plane to France

rejected d' offer, feel secured here,

forthwith, no go back by any chance