Once upon a time There was this land where, along with the morning chirping of birds as if the message from heavenly gods awoke a paradise in the arms of golden Himalayas Draped in a robe of greenery Such serene beauty, basked beneath the bluest sky Continued the story, beloved mother of mine- “There was this land, once upon a time…” * Fertile ground of it raised workmen, artists and sage United in honesty and self-respect, not a trace of rage Heard were not quarrels nor grief “Listen my child”, pronounced my mother- keeping it brief, “just beneath the very feet of yours and mine, There was this land, once upon a time”. * Oh! those towns- laced with art and skills Countries were ruled by Love and peace not a trace of sinful wealth for sure innocence- just divine and pure As if touched by a trace of the Golden Age “Really mother?” I exclaimed ! “Of course my child! At your very birthplace there was once this land of sage!” * The holy conchs sang the songs of dawn the temple bells rejoiced with cockerel and swan Seasons of plantation, bountiful and glorious Home of peace for world, yet home of warriors “Really mother?” “Believe it so, oh child of mine! There was once a time, when there was once this land The paradise lost in time.” * In bonds of social harmony and unity, sorrows and happiness shared all in the community The land of Buddha, Proclaimed zone of peace and shine Was there- not a trace of treachery or crime “Wow mother… How strange!”- I exclaim “Oh my son! how can I explain? But to say again, when there was once this land Paradise, lost in time.” * Surely, the life was hard, yet full of joy away from this modern strife. Smiled those lassies with subtle coy! “Never discrimination nor the rage – now my child, it does sound a fairy tale” Blinking her eyes, drenched in tears Conclude my mother with a hint of fare “That was the time – oh son of mine, My very own paradise- lost in time!” - Sundargaun, Tansen, Palpa Currently: United Kingdom (-सुदर्शन पौड्यालको यो कविता साहित्यकार गोम बिक्रमले संकलन गर्नु भएको हो । नेप्लिज डायस्पोरा पत्रकार सतिश चापागाईंको सम्पादकत्वमा अमेरिकाबाट संचालन हुने अनलाइन हो । तपाई पनि नेप्लिज डायस्पोरामा साहित्यिक रचना पठाउन चाहनुहुन्छ भने गोम बिक्रमको फेसबुक (https://www.facebook.com/gom.bicram)  मा सम्पर्क गर्नुहोला । नेप्लिज डायस्पोराको फेसबुक पेज https://www.facebook.com/nepalesediaspora लाइक गर्न र युट्युब च्यानल https://www.youtube.com/nepalesediaspora लाई सब्स्क्राइब पनि गर्नु होला। -सम्पादक|)