[Poem] Innocence recalled

Our innocence still lingers on
there, beneath that banyan tree
As if in an endless wait,
shadows of yesterdays roam free

Someone plays the flute again,
a lass dances to its tune, defter
the sweet jingle of her anklets
reminding me of your laughter

The meadows are still green,
like the scarf you used to wear
The butterflies flutter past teasingly
and the lake water is still clear

Children stream out in frenzy
when the school bell rings
like innumerable little sparrows
with just sprouted wings

Women in their colourful clothes
Men smoking, herded around a water pipe
Wind caressing the trees,
pleading to shed their mangoes ripe

This letter, I hope, brings to you
the earthen fragrance, as always
The raindrops on your windowsill
reminding you of our bygone days

Vijay © 7th September, 2005