The Last Ride

I felt my heart sink as I looked at Blooming Heights, my house, fade into the distance,

I felt my heart sink as I felt the gentle bump of the street as the car drove away.

The wheels kept moving, not caring to look back,

But every little thing that I could see from the window had so much to say.

I felt my heart sink as I saw Sunset Café looking as cozy as ever,

The memory of Martha handing out her warm coffees before us rushed back.

I felt my heart sink as I realized this would be the last time, I would see this city until the end of

forever,

The last time I’d see the sun making the wet leaves of the citrus trees shimmer.

The occasional ‘good morning’s by Mr. Keith, the town florist, as I cycled to school,

And the beautiful rainy mornings of our town had all become a part of me.

I felt my heart sink as I saw him wave goodbye and give me a little yellow daisy.

I never knew this would be so difficult to see.

I felt my heart sink as I saw the pink graffiti I had made as a twelve-year old get left behind,

Knowing that I would never sneak out with my childhood friends again.

I felt my heart sink as I saw Tom move in the opposite direction with all the newspapers to

deliver,

I felt my heart sink and my insides stir.

I watched a queue of falling and tripping toddlers paddle away into the town arcade,

The image of the baby me in two pigtails and a three sizes too small skirt flashed in front of my

eyes.

I felt my heart sink and my tears shine,

As I said goodbye to my town one last time.

Written by Hunar Choudhary

Edited by Ishani Bhowmick

Illustration by Sangya Pal