! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! A Sneak Preview...! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

A sneak preview As winter makes Its debut… Eateries launch Steaming Soup week. Hawker sets up shop Under Asoka tree; Spice up the noon. Young couples Snuggle Behind shrubs. Stoles and sweaters; Colours Galore. Man in rocking chair, Newspaper on face Sun bathes snores. Women knit, Gossip over Hot cups of tea. Men in blazers Mufflers, jackets Look dapper… Girls put their best Foot forward In high boots. Chrysanthemums Nonchalantly Steal the show. Boys roll in wet grass One atop the other, Clothes stained green. A woman in tatters Shivers, sells Incense sticks. Cinnamon Flavour Of the season. Grand father bats Kid bowls; Jumps with joy, Shouts, out. Leaves gleam like emeralds Dance with breeze, No fear of theft. Boys play; Beads of sweat on upper lip. Sweaters tied To the waist. Egret and crow Play in rose garden; No warden. Sunday picnics, Parks alive With mirth And laughter. First snow on hills, Morning walkers Shiver with chill. Go nuts Over nuts… Kids rush, Late for school bus At crack of dawn, Flushed cheeks, Exhale white Smoke If winter comes, Can love be Far behind? The season, compelling reason To hold and hug for warmth.