Saturday, January 09, 2010

A daze and a doze on a winter afternoon

On the verge of dozing off in the warm sunshine on a winter afternoon amidst the flowers, the trees and the green green grass. A recurring cacophany of sounds from the main road prevents deep sleep in the lawn. Just as well. Still have the energy to open one eye slightly, each time an interesting sound catches the attention. A moment ago it was the ghungroos tied around the legs of a running camel. The perfect blend of tiny metal balls striking against the little brass buds. The eager pace of the camel showing off happily. If it had a voice, I can almost imagine it hum a tune as it runs.

A bus braked with a very jarring screech and we all looked at each other and almost laughed at the ugly sound. How would the poor camel brake I wondered, just before closing the eyes again. Our own Ghunghroo meantime is hiding from the sun. Maybe thanking his stars for the neem tree which hides the rays of the setting sun. The poor tree. So large and dense with its own particular brand of dark green. Shrugs its pod laden shoulders gently in the breeze - 'can't please everyone', it thinks, as it turns some of the leaves to savour the sun. And we all doze off once again. Us, the flowers, the trees and the green green grass. On this winter afternoon.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Picture stories

eyes

watching

stories; in the mind

a house

a bungalow

trees
shade
stairs
and
balustrades

drying
wet hair
with
sunshine on the face
on
cane chairs
surrounded by
lazy
hand held fans

Goa

a breeze
a verandah

iron benches
with baroque designs

whitewashed walls
with high ceilings

glasses
wine
newspapers
shades of maroon
and earth

Watching
stories
in slow motion
with almost a smile
inside

as I stood watching
this lovely lovely house

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Ceramic pigeons

The little girl with the wooden sandals
Tapping away on the walkway
And in the rain
Seeking C'mas
And words.
Beer gardens and coffee gardens
Never found
Number 38 which I wanted
Number 34 which I didnt.
Measuring the weeks
And the options
Holding on, off and on
In the rain.
Tap tap tap tap
Goes the sidewalk
On this day
In the rain.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

You. On this day. At this time.

Ground coffee from Bali
Lebanese baklava
Words, thoughts, ideas, wishes, a few tears, a few plans
Green trees and faraway skycrapers
And friends
Are in my thoughts this morning.
Those I know well
And those I have never met
You are in my thoughts today.


E.Gilbert, you of the three chapters.
D.Singh, sadness. at the way your were treated.
E.VB, I hope you are enjoying the train ride and when you get down the wind blows your hair around and gives you a refreshing start in the weekend city.
T.Li, I think of your long walks on the road in the busy traffic. Reminders to get out of office and get on with life. Cheers.
Beeps, I know you are with your kids and I see you walking with them and I see you smile. For your words of wisdom always I thank you. And for your patience, and love.
J., as I read this book I think of you in Dharamsala and the vipassana discussions and I see your hair and you make a smile and laughter hide in my cheecks raring to burst out.
Suu..I imagine you in Doon and Delhi. I think of you. And I see you giving presentations with that rushed diction of yours. Stay happy.
T.Myers, I remember your message and I have been meaning to write to you for months. I hope your Saturday starts as a bright sunny day and you have a lovely breakfast with your wife.
Shimla Galimauffry, I am thinking of your pictures and your desciptions and your words. As I imagine my travels, I think of the buildings and the atmosphere you capture. I hope your Saturday is relaxed and lazy and full of the explorations you enjoy.
Lash. Health and happiness.
and M. Gopinath. I have been thinking a lot of the balance you have.


A big hug to you all
On this day
At this time
You are in my thoughts.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Birdsong

Its amazing how clear the sound of this one bird is. And how familiar. I hear it every day. Just the right decibel level. And just the right mix of I don't quite know what. I can hear it now. It is somewhere on one of the lush green trees of the neighbouring garden. It makes me think of spring. Newspapers. Lawns. Lazy afternoons. Napping in the sun. And mango orchards.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Concepts

I said to someone the other evening "I want to go home". And thinking about it later, realised I didn't quite know what I meant..wonder how many people actually do. Those who do know, are really quite lucky.