First Day in College – Read Poems aka Dinosaurs

ABOUT THE POEM: "First Day in College" is a vivid, autobiographical recollection of the author's solitary yet self-assured arrival at a new chapter in life. The poem establishes a stark contrast between the author's ascetic preparations (roasted black peas, jaggery) and the privileged environment of the other students. It captures the initial fearlessness of the author who stands apart, culminating in the unexpected, foundational friendship with a girl named Frooti—a relationship that, though essential, eventually yielded to the natural progression of life.

No whiskey, no coffee,
Neither local liquor nor desi.
Roasted black peas and jaggery-
Ronie Dinosaur wasn’t crazy.
Away from whey, bidi, and cigarette,
I saw air-hostesses on my way to college.
It was my first day, a rainy day like in the movies.
I was the guy next door, but strong as steel,
Calm as a bomb, I arrived in the canteen.
Mama’s boys and Papa’s lilies didn’t look me in the eyes.
Standing alone, I ate my sandwich
and drank my Pepsi.
I was unaware of fear,
while other freshers gave ragging.
After that, I went straight to the lecture room.
I sat alone, close to the door-
where I saw a girl. She said hi
and sat beside this dog.
She became my best friend; her name was Frooti.
I loved her so much, and she cared for me,
but she was naughty.
We fought one day, and life went on.
Some years later, I heard
she had babies.