The Flute & Peacock Feather

The serene Ghats of Vrindavan today…

Seem much lush, with the murmur of spring…

I’ve come here keeping doubtful eyes at bay…

That’d have noticed, this heart…

Had a melody to sing…

Eyes dart toward the horizon…

Where Yamuna shows off her danseuse self…

They watch her in awe, the entire denizen…

As she twirls and dances, immersed in herself…!

One by one I take them, and gently weave them in…

Chanting each of your divine names…

The heavenly fragrant Chembaka flowers upon the string…

Ghanashyam, Keshava, Nandakishora, Madhusudhan…

For me all are the same!

Now, I find, it has secretly bloomed upon my lips,

A shy smile…

As I sit here lost in your thoughts…

Awaiting the moment where you let slip,

Your fingers- vile…

Sneaking around my waist till they’re caught…

My busy hands suddenly brush away…

The dark locks that tingle my ear…

And then the fingers trip over & make their way…

A bruise that your lips had gifted, just near…

The yearning Oh Krishna…!!

To see my happy face…

In that twinkle of your mesmerizing eyes…

Till the full moon night of Raas-Leela stays…

Like ocean waves they fall… they rise…!

Holding the Dandiya you skip and you sway…

Its rhythm matching -shoulders, to gyrating beats of the Dhol…

Your eternal grace takes my breath away…

I, the other Gopis, can’t get enough at all…!

I have always envied them since the time,

I let you reign my heart…

I don’t even know if it’s a crime,

To chide my lover’s most alluring part…!

I have always wished to be,

That flute embellished in pearls and gold…

The first ever object of my envy…

If I were in its place, you’d gently hold…

The caress of your luscious lips,

My God-given destiny…!

Or I would’ve loved to become,

The peacock feather that adorns your crown…

Upon me, always your touch would softly strum,

And like my trust you’d never put me down…!

A blanket of darkness over me,

As I’m held captive by you…

Your mellow voice whispers lovingly,

“I’m here… my beloved Honeydew…”

I turn around, ’cause I can’t wait no more!

And I’m caught up in your fiery embrace…

Our bodies speak out words galore!

Time, no more an entity to chase…

The soft breeze that tip-toes for sometime there,

Reminds me of the Garland on that grassy surface…

I lift promptly, but with utmost care,

Holding it across your winsome face…

The gleam in those naughty eyes,

Makes me dance in joy…

But my bashful traits, then take charge,

When those looks of yours turn menacingly coy…

The Chembaka flowers adorn,

Your irresistible ebony charm…

And this maiden night-blossom,

Rests on your magnanimous chest…

When you say,

“Dear, have no qualm…

When your love for me is put to test…

The vibrant colors of the Peacock feather,

Is nothing but your soul, so lovable…

And this flute that renders sweet melodies hither,

Are the beats of your heart, like the hymns in my temple…”