While I wondered.....

They are back in the city. Sometimes, they overbear the shining hot ball, which often cons you into losing sense of the hour clock. But now I'm aware of their gimmicks so I don't fall into the trap. I still hear stories about them from my parents. Back at home, sometimes they turn to be very noisy and in extreme cases devastating too. Whatever, my folks dismiss them easily. They become a nuisance in the long run, so my folks believe.
As a child I thought they look beautiful. Especially, when they appeared close. So close that they were within my arms reach. I always wondered if I could put my hand through them. My grandma, use to tell me that there were snakes and gold pots inside them. She added that only those of good virtue get those gold pots. My sister always felt that she'll get gold and snakes'll bite me.

Now when I look at them I don't expect a gold pot or snakes inside them. I've given them a different identity. Don't know if my sister will agree with me. She believes that I'm always at the wrong end. But I don't envy her as I use to do it some two decades ago. I wish if at all there are gold pots inside them she manages to find some.
But I am jealous when I think of them as I have identified them. Because, I know they are charlatans. They are good at luring you and more often than less they deceive you with ease. I feel protective for my sister but I also know the reality. So I stare at them, as if telling them not to venture there.

They've robbed me twice. Don't know if I should say thrice or even four times. But lets keep the count to twice. The first time they did, I was angry. Reason, cause they took what I loved, miles away. So, I asked them for an explanation. As usual, they spoke in their language. Then they promised me that they'll tell the answer but they'll confirm it from the one they took away. I agreed. I had no choices. It took them two years. They blamed it on the distance. I agreed again. They told me that it was not their fault for I was rootless.
I begged to differ. They understood. They explained me in a simple manner. Their simplicity is more complex. It took me days to understand. The night I finally got it, I was drenched. But they were caring and clarified that it happened for good. And next time I should be beware. I was perplexed. Was that a sign of hostility? They kept quiet and left the city in a few days.

I forgot about them soon. The next year, they came and went. I didn't bother. It was very easy. I had nothing to lose and I wasn't looking for gold pots. For them I was insignificant. And it never mattered. I still remember looking at them passing by. I avoided direct eye contact. There were some questions left in my mind and I was rootless as before.

Last year, they were overjoyed. I was chasing a mirage. The moment they saw me, they knew that the game was on. Was I scared? Kind off. They made noises; they sung songs, danced and rejoiced. I looked at them in disgust. Only difference - I know I was still rootless. They didn't want to hurt me. So, they decided that this time they'd take a return gift. For they come twice in a year……..

They did what they had to. They took of whatever I had. They're back this year as well. I asked them - So, what now? Any gold pots for me? They're quiet. They don't want to answer. They know I'm unsuccessful and they love me for being that. If you don't believe me ask them. They will pour their heart out……….