My new found love
How I will miss you
As I fly above
For now I know you are my roots
In your soil, reveal my truths
I will miss those burning dark native eyes
The annoyance of mosquitos and buzzing flies
Jeweled bindis worn with pride
My new relaxed walking stride
Long black braids down sari backs
Piles of goods atop heads stacked
Stray dogs and cows blocking streets
The electricity of my heart's beat
The unrelenting, burning skin heat
Walking barefoot with dirty feet
Bargaining for the cheapest price
Every meal eating mounds of rice
Afternoon naps cool under the fan
Digging my toes into the shore sands
Sweet, warm cups of chai
I love this land, I cannot lie
The adventures of the infamous rails
Washing myself with water in a pail
The persistent, drenching sweat
Savory foods that I will never forget
Coconut chutneys, spicy sambar and chicken curries
Never feeling rushed or in a hurry
Learning how to just be
As I rock under the shade of palm trees
Practicing yoga in the day's early light
Not worried about training for a fight
Reading books and writing poems
Hearing my mother's voice whenever I call home
Uncovering my life's next step
Appreciating the beauty and this land's great depth
Countless people coexisting without strife
Truly these are the best days of my life
I will miss the city bustle of Bangalore
Not a single moment of feeling bored
The Kerala backwaters down a river I float
So warm outside, no need for a coat
The majestic cape in Tamil Nadu
The ocean waters in Goa, so blue
The vibe, the energy, the love in this place
How it helps me uncover a different face
Allowing me to look within and take stock
My inner most feeling beginning to unlock
I am happy, alive and in love with this land
All I want to do is travel and expand
And share the gifts I have been blessed
Please excuse if I become obsessed
India shows me the secret and key to living
Spreading love, it's all in the giving.
I just finished reading this entire blog. Very detailed, and I think the pictures added a lot to your descriptions of a place many people have never seen much of.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to see how you went from wearing layered shirts and jeans and straightening your hair to churidars and no hair treatment and really just letting go. I'm glad that India could give you things no guidebook could quite cover. And I don't think its that bad that you weren't fully prepared for the trip as far as packing goes. Personal experience is the best way to learn.