Remembering Chennai1

High-pitched loud voice is not what I recall, But devout neighbours chanting morning hymns, As if their gods in far heavens were hard Of hearing; and neighbourhood joining in, School kids throat-full, bagful of books, Tiffin, Women in jasmine, saris wrapped six-yard, Clothes screaming colours, décors in extremes, Loud birds—boisterous crows, drooling doves, all! I recall season's rains— wet, wet or dry, And sultry weather all year, humid, hot; My dreams reach out and miss that monsoon twain, To that ever present post-noon cool breeze, To people snoozing to rest in cool ease, To cyclones in the Bay bringing much rain, Pouring pot full when not, paltry when not; I miss lush green smile of coast, blue-green sky. And of course, can't forget funeral bands— Those dancing for the dead and departed, Perhaps vouchsafing what the Lord did say— That this death is but a change of garment; Nor I forget the cool quiet moment On beaches, nor the Eastern Express Way, Nor yet simple folks with a thinking head, Nor can miss morning sea's silvery sands. Two more things will always with me remain: The delicious cuisine, rasam, chutney, Myriad delicacies made in heaven, Whole of lanes smelling sambhar-lined repast; Musical heritage of ancient past, Their repertoire vast, well rehearsed, well run, Taking you to a heavenly journey, Making for me a unique Southern Twain! And tongue, tough and twisting known as Tamil, Oh past twenty four years still too mouthful; Many a road no better than big lanes— I never could divine—why be called ‘high', Save say Mount Road, or Rajaji Salai! Nor could one explain without taking pains Why a non-VEG eating joint as a rule Be called military, snacks or full meal! Some things grow with you as if part of blood, And keep surfacing when memories flood. ______________________________________________________ Chennai is what was once known as Madras. I stayed there for twenty four long years, a Tamilian knowing little Tamil! The piece is composed in octaves with a mirror-like symmetrical rhyme scheme, ending with a couplet. ______________________________________________________ Nostalgia | 11.02.07 |