Darjeeling

They call you in so many different names, 

The land of thunder, the Queen of hills,

But to me, you are like falling in love for the first time, 

A shy girl, standing quiet yet filled with all anticipation, 

Your treasures displayed carelessly as if not to attract too much attention 

And yet subtle enough to strike the right chord of heart's string, 

You are like that first feel of liberation at youth 

Going for a vacation with friends, 

Taking the first forbidden smoke,

The first sip of sweet potion,

You are like that glimpse of a picture postcard 

Which one's uncle sent home many many years ago 

Through India Post, 

Stamped and marked, 

With a few lines written on one side in a cursive hand

' Wishing everyone at home Merry Christmas!' 

You are like the scent of rhododendrons and peace lilies 

Blooming in abundance 

And Azalea too 

As pink as my girlfriend's lips.