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.