The scent of my land
still lingers in my hair
Aroma of sun-kissed marigold
A distant faint voice of turquoise peacock
Ruffling its rainbow feathers, signaling
The arrival of first showers of majestic monsoon
Slum children dancing euphorically
Running around, tanned emaciated
Waving, rejoicing at the bounty of vast blue sky
Flavors of fried bread, tangy mango sauce
Vapors of Colonial English tea
Peddled pavements forming small ponds
Revered Koel seated on the vines of
Delicate bougainvillea with its melodious
” Koo hoo” weaves a song of rain to
consummate with a mate waiting since long
Air filled with the sweet earthen smell of mud
Infant sprouts, excited saplings
Oozing heads in thick fertile soils
Of the basin of holy Ganges
The mighty Brahmaputra swelled
Brimming with sacred white waters
Eroding every habitation standing its course
Blessed monkey army of deity ‘Hanuman.’
shrieking, jumping, thanking ” Inder.”
The rain god for its benevolence
Thundering bells in ancient temples
Ablutions, salutations to the God
Of Thunder and Hail, seated on a divine lotus
Pandits Performing “yagnas” fire rituals
Sacrificing hard shelled-coconuts,
Chanting Vedic mantras to appease
Celebrating much-needed downpour.
-Tanya Shukla