Sangeetha Kamath

The garlands and wreaths of amber marigold on the threshold gently swayed in the wintry breeze. The heady perfume floated around the house mixed with those of vibrant golden chrysanthemums in ornamental bronze troughs of sparkling water. The ruby red amaryllis in tall crystal vases in every corner added class and sophistication to the decor.  Diwali was around the corner and so was her homecoming. She took slow steps from the driveway to the entrance, her silver anklets reflecting her anxiety in their hesitant tinkling.  Her bangles too sensed her trepidation as she fumbled with her heavy, crimson brocade sari which was elegantly draped, the gossamer veil covering her neat hairdo cascading daintily. She was met with a bevy of women, some throwing her furtive glances, some welcoming her with smiling faces and twinkling eyes. She sensed Aman right by her side, walking in step with her, taking her right hand reassuringly in his.  Aman's mother stood with the auspicious platter of aart

Like the radiant amber sun that eternally glows And the pristine aquamarine of the rivers that ripples and flows The moments we crocheted with dainty laces Leaves smudged imprints and faint traces The tinkling laughter like a thousand silver bells Which floated in the oceanic breeze as we picked pearly seashells Every fragment revisits me like it was yesterday What are festive holidays without your warm embraces and homemade buffet The mellifluous lullabies that you crooned The paper boats that we sailed in the monsoon puddles of July and June You were my rock and pillar of once upon a time You're in me now, a soul sublime Inherited from you are y eyes that take in the vast sky and green meadows My voice that sings about the seasons and rainbows From the arch of my brows, from my tips to toes You reside in me wherever I go The stars thrum and twinkle to a celestine music Is that you playing peekaboo in the sea of diamantine cosmic? Whenever you cross my mind I gaze up at the moon z

Flaming wands of scarlet and crimson Swaying in the November chill amid dainty barley and sturdy corn golden  They sing of the fallen and the courageous martyred veterans Glory of the long ago battles and noble wars lest they're forgotten Carpeting the lea under a solemn saffron sky Like ballerinas they poise somberly remembering the last unsaid goodbye Gunshots rent the air and bullets whizzed close by Bravely they stood their ground defending country, town and the vast expanse of our sky A badge of respect to honour everyone we lost  For an unsung hero whose valour was at a cost Far away from family and home, ricocheting cacophony all around  Red hearts bloom, a reminder of carmine trickles on holy frosted ground Through treacherous terrains, mountains and sand dunes Artillery ripped the land while our bravehearts sang patriotic tunes Poppy fields sprawling and wide stand testimony To the battlegrounds roaring to restore peace and harmony Sanctimonious are these pastures of ruby