Yamuna

A river which was the playground of the Gods
A river which was an inspiration for songs and poems
A river that was feared yet revered
A river that would quell the thirst of millions

is now a dumping ground for city's sewage
is now a carrier for the garbage
is now no longer feared or revered
is now a river that is itself parched.

He sat there, trembling
Trying to catch his breath
Thankful that the voices were now distant
But then, he heard footsteps coming towards him
Inch by inch they crept closer and came to a halt two inches from him
He sat, barely breathing
Feet turned and walked away
He heaved a sigh of relief
But alas, the wind carried the sound of his breath
He felt a grip on his neck, choking him
His fears got the better of him.