AUBURN PARADE

AUBURN PARADE

In an orchestra and symphony of leaves fluttering,fireplaces crackling, hope flickering in the honeyed realms,

I waltz into the enchanting horizons and jewel-toned wilderness

Behold! Autumn limbers in with the grace of a soft serenade

As a triumphant season in an auburn parade

In all her bridal finery of shimmering carnelian, carmine, coral and gold

She's a splendour of vibrant hues and glory untold

The October wind whispers her song,

Mellow lullabies straining and long

Heartbroken trees, stand tall and bare

Shedding rainbow tears dissolving into the sable quilt of mulch ochre.

Guitar-strumming with you around bonfires under starry skies

With a banquet of plum wine, cranberry jams and spiced pumpkin pies

Fragrance of cinnamon, citrus and frankincense floats like a dream

While we sip mulled apple cider or hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream

Russet, caramel, tawny and decadent mocha brown—

Against a warm cherry glow of the wintry sun

Maple leaves ebony, umber, hazel, in rhythm, pirouette like a marvel

How bewitching is this burnished home-spun carnival !

Embracing the sepia sunlight and thick mists of fog roll,

Amidst decors of pinecones, potpourri wreaths, Jack-o'-lanterns and resplendent hues of fall

As autumn preserves the acorns and holly-berries before a hibernating slumber

An earthy aroma of chilling fall rain is my steady anchor

A rime spangled crisp breeze plays a choir fantasia

Showering me with a confetti of leaves amethyst, sienna and fuchsia

I revel in this coppery bronze, woodsy musk nostalgia

Until spring bursts forth again with a bountiful floral cornucopia!

Pic Courtesy: Image by Sunny Daye from Pixabay

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CHẠ̀WKHRĀW (Chxw̒kh rxw̒)

As usual, at the dot of 8 pm, the Guzheng plays its stirring chords, the haunting notes beginning a slow sweep, rising to a powerful crescendo and alternating with a tranquil ebbing of melody surfing me along the waves of soul-stirring, yet a serene stretch of an hour every day. I make it a point to sit right beside my dining room window to bask in this lulling sound therapy as my neighbor downstairs diligently plays on this zither, oblivious to my admiration. What a luxury it is to have a live orchestra while I savour the last meal of the day. It's a welcome distraction to the otherwise jarring squabbling of the playful neighbourhood children. The Chạ̀wkhrāw of this– that the musical household might move one day is a foreboding thought. Foreshadowing this, deeply ingrained in me is the shattering news I had received upon returning to Singapore after an 8 month absence here. The Ramadan festive season was fast approaching at the end of March but the apar...

HIRAETH

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GATOS MEUS QUERIDOS

Chapter 1 Muay The Warrior Cat Muay Thai came to be called so for the feisty and spirited little thing she was, reminiscent of the intense and energetic martial art of Muay Thai . Her bold personality inspired me to give her a name that reflected her sass and vigor. Muay Thai's antics were the stuff of legends. She was a buzz of energy, always getting into mischief and mayhem. Whether she was chasing invisible bugs, leaping over furniture like an acrobat or wrestling with toys, Muay Thai was a force to be reckoned with. Her favorite pastime was "attacking" my hands and feet, using her lightning-fast reflexes and razor-sharp teeth. It was a game she loved, and one that always left me in stitches. Despite her tough-as-nails persona, Muay Thai was also a total softie at heart. She loved nothing more than curling up in my lap and purring contentedly, her eyes gleaming with adoration before snoozing into the deepest of sl...

INSIDIOUS

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Sangeetha Kamath

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