girl from Bengal

Your path is covered
with soft, green grass
scattered dew drops
shine like stars
on that velvet green

white petals of harsingars
lie there like pieces of dream
your softer feet
touch the earth
golden hued with tinge of red
like a pair of lotuses
they kiss the ground
with gentle grace

birds sing sweetly
to cheer you up
payel softly chime
to add some music
to your graceful walk.

the crystal water ripples
crimson tides dance
morning sun opens his eyes
to look down upon you
he too is confused
who is more beautiful
you or the lotuses
that are blooming in the pond
you leave them wondering
fill up your pitcher and return.

Sharmishtha basu
3.11.10

autumn

the feeling is here
in the morning air
in the late night chill
autumn is near.

in the morning air
on the soft grass
dew drops scatter
to announce her arrival.

on the soft grass
night flowers scatter
soft white petals
scattered like pearls.

night flowers scatter
wind is heavy with fragrance
crispy clear sun rays
shower down on earth.

wind is heavy with fragrance
fragrance of morning dew
fragrance of night flowers
and the flowers to bloom.

Sharmishtha basu
24.09.10

village belles

temple bells
chime
sonorously
Echoing music

village belles
dressed pretty
strollingly
reach the well

laughter
melodious
as
chiming bell.

cheeks
dresses
candor bright
outcolour flowers


Sharmishtha basu
18.09.10

Flute player

He was wandering alone
Lost, tired, hungry in the woods
Its been weeks
Since he met another soul.

Early dawn, birds were singing
A divine choir for the sun.
lark he heard a sweeter sound
The mellow strain of a flute

He knew he was blessed by heaven
ran madly through the mist and fog
Stumbling, falling rising again
To seek out the flute player.

He ran past bushes
Crossed vales in path
hurried across
The singing brooks.

Then he saw her, a celestial maiden
Playing her flute to the sun
He dropped down to his knees before her,
She opened her eyes and looked at him.

He saw her silver wings fluttering
She Looked at him and smiled
Beckoned a village sleeping in valley
And disappeared in the milky white mist.