Magic Of Monsoons

Monsoons have finally arrived. Childhood memories flash across my mind: Those walks to the school in the raincoat And running home to make paper boats, And watch them float in the muddy water Charging home, on hearing the sound of thunder. Eating ripe mangoes out of a bucket, And sitting in a circle in our vests, Sucking one after another to our fill With the juice running down our chin. Oh, the taste of raw mangoes with salt Unmindful of being caught. The delicious taste of cherries, plums. Pears, apricots, sweet lime gave awesome Joy, that lingered for long And in the background koel’s song. Mother’s threats I won’t take care, And tend to you if you again dare To get drenched and come home wet. How I quietly stood and let Her let of steam While I day dreamed. The magic of rains still casts A spell that lasts. .It’s again that time of the year, When although the life goes out of gear: Mud stains, floods, wet shoes and unruly hair. As there is no one to chide, I still dare To allow the showers to kiss my face, While I say my thanks to God’s grace For quenching the thirst of parched earth And fill the heart with relief and mirth.