Rain Drenched Memories
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.