A large clearing in the woods amidst tall trees –

over red earth on which they stand as sentinels,

under a canopy of heavy grey cloud, so full now;

stretched translucent, they seem ready to burst.

 

Locals from the tribal villages congregate here

revealing specialized skills on handmade craft –

saris, kurtas, striking bead jewellery and more,

spread on straw mats over a carpet of red earth.

 

Under several cane canopies, on raised platform

musicians regale you with tribal, baul renditions;

while the couple selling potato and onion fritters

tantalize with tangy forms from out of boiling oil.

 

Leaving the clearing, after indulging my senses,

my hands clutching five – earring and necklaces:

Clouds descend over the tiny white, blue bridge

I cross, in contentedly heading to my home-stay.

 

Riding a Toto, soaking the exotic feel of the locale

through thick, low clouds overriding sunset’s lights –

shooting off sparks of fluorescence, I feel droplets:

then in a flash, whip lashing rain washes the road.

 

Through this torrential July rain ripping my soul –

I distinctly hear the drums – as if of a tribal dance,

beckoning me to celebrate life with unbridled joy:

with little pleasures, join in their feast of the soul.

 

Aren’t they lovely! 🙂 These were my picks…but what I got more was the pleasure of chatting up these people I bought these jewelry from.