Not a cliche (part 2)

You were a memory
stronger, stranger and sweeter

than all my memories combined.

And even though that's a
clichéd thing to say,
there was nothing clichéd
about reading with you, precariously
perched
atop your balcony ledges,
listening to page after page
unfurl
and footstep after footstep run
then pause, and hover
in search of companions
only to run again to
unknown destinations. 

Today, when I have left,
having gathered
learning beyond what my mind
could measure,
may I thank you
for all the ways in which
you've mattered?

And pluck from each brick, each leaf,
each gulmohar petal,
each lecture, each trip, each bunk,
each canteen table,
memories to last me a lifetime?

And even though fishing for memories
is a clichéd way to be,
there was nothing clichéd
about what you mean to me.

You were a memory
stronger, stranger and sweeter
than all my memories combined.

And you were not a cliché.

(For the best place with the best memories; for SRCC)

Not a cliche (part 1)

You were
a home away from home
and even though that’s a clichéd thing to say,
there was nothing clichéd
about the comforts I found,
lazing around
in your lawns, spreading themselves out
like unabashed arms,
anticipating a hug.

Today, as I leave,
here's the tightest hug that’s ever been…
should I wrap it up for you, SRCC,
in layers and layers of thanks
crossed and knotted with love?

Will you envelop me in this hug
for one last time
as I cry?
And will you hear
in this teary eyed goodbye,
everything I ever wanted to confess,
all the things that still need to be said?

And even though goodbyes
are pretty clichéd to wave,
there was nothing clichéd about the sunrays
that greeted me with light
as I stepped inside you, everyday.

You were
a home away from home
and you were not a cliché! :)

(for my alma mater) :)(