The Mumbai Monsoon

The swelting heat was over, the monsoon had finally arrived,

Coinciding with the re-opening of schools, the Rain Gods had connived.

The mothers would get some "me time", a silent happiness perceived,

It meant the end of water cuts, hence the city was relieved.

The children were excited, they would be going back to school,

With raincoats and gumboots, they sure looked cool.

The month of June went by in a jolly, jolly mood,

The first fortnight of July was also pretty good.

Then the gods decided to inflict some real, terrible pain,

The days that followed were the days of torrential rains.

The city came to a standstill, a repeat every year,

Waterlogging was a regular feature for anyone who lived here.

A "Mumbaikar" could spend hours in commute, without muttering a swear,

Even if he had to wade through waist-deep water, he would maintain his cheer.

He was now immune to frequent bus and train delays,

Gained the wisdom to leave home a little earlier than the regular days.

By now the roads had potholes, some small, some really wide,

Commuting on roads was like taking a roller coaster ride,

Accidents were many, the newspapers would often cite,

But work was worship, so he learnt to take it in his stride.

A drizzle or short shower did not stop him from stepping out for work,

The high tides could cause trouble, there was a looming fear of getting stuck.

Invariably he stepped out, for he had to chase his dreams,

He knew he was in a vibrant city, a city which never sleeps.

In the days of deluge, he was sure to be safe and sound,

Not because of the administration, but because of the good samaritans around.

The stranded would be quickly, offered water and some food,

In such times one realised the power of brotherhood.

The other big challenge was the malaria and dengue outbreak,

The mosquitoes would breed in freshwater and filthy garbage.

In this matter, he knew, he had to contribute,

By maintaining cleanliness in his home and immediate neighbourhood.

Finally the last fortnight of August had gleefully arrived,

He had managed to keep himself safe, the monsoon he had survived.

With Janmashtami, the rain would start to slowly fade,

To seek the blessings of Lord Krishna, the Rain Gods had deliberately stayed.

Time would fly in a jiffy, in the month of September,

It was time to welcome Lord Ganesha with pomp and fervour.

The city would have a festive look, for those 10 eventful days,

Till Ganesha joined his mother, by taking a dip in various waterways.

The city would witness the last few drizzles,

The temperature would rise, almost like a sizzle.

That would be the end of the "Mumbai monsoons",

Each would bid it goodbye, wishing it could come back very soon.