Rain Drenched Memories

Along with the pitter-patter of raindrops

Emotions run hither thither amok 

Heart catapults at times with joy

The onrush of childhood memories crop

Paper boats set sail on overflowing drains

Meandering, disappearing underground 

Wondering whether will sail into the ocean

Stories spun in childhood innocence 

Heart somersaults at times with pain

Remembering Ma making pakoras on such days

Hot from the 'karai' served with 'chai'

Scalding mouth in a hurry to try

Onions, seedless brinjals, potatoes sliced

Dipped in besan batter, deep fried 

To a golden brown color, tasted so nice.

Recalling those days brings tears to eyes

The heart fills up with ebullience recalling

School holidays whenever cyclonic rains

Flooded streets, traffic came to a standstill

Out came carom board from closet stored

Chasing the red into the net, all day played.

No one objected, rains meant indoor games

With friends gathering at a friend's place

Living in the same apartment complex

And now the heart cries in pain when 

Rain strikes like arrows shot at dart boards

Punching holes in an already punched soul

Memories surfacing of sitting on the couch

Rug thrown over toes, singing duets 

Of rainy romantic songs, one voice has 

Now gone, leaving the other forlorn.

No taped music can ever console.