Sonal Singh On Sonal's Table
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The whiff of roses in the air, the scent of jasmine that I hold dear,
The laden boughs of the cherry & peach; signal that summer’s here.
Branches straining to accommodate, groaning & heavy with fruit;
Delicious mangoes, plums and chikoos; even leeches to boot!
The Banyan & Neem in foliage, standing lush, tall & proud;
Oh! How they cool a wearied soul, with their shady shroud.
The grass losing its veneer of green, Its Jade hues to the sun;
Oh! How the kids await summer, to spend all day in play & fun.
I remember a childhood spent in the Hills, exploring the wood.
Ah! Many an hour I did spend, traipsing around all I could.
It was the time to frolic; laugh and rejoice as school was out.
Idyllic days were spent outdoors, deep in play and shout.
Aah! Summer was an arid mistress; she blew hot & furious too.
But, I would cool myself in the hills as North India faced the Loo.
Anticipation would heighten as Dad would disclose the yearly plan
And off us all would go, to the hills, our family & the entire clan.
This season brings memories from an age spent in content.
It reminds of days when we were carefree, had nothing to repent.
Ah! Summer with its balmy nights brought forth the folding cots.
On the terrace we would to slumber, under the starry dots.
It was the season Maa loved most, pickling away to glory,
Whilst we would sit and pester Dadima, for another story.
We would sip from tall glasses filled with lemonade and such.
Aah! Life was pretty simple back then, we did not want much.
Oh, how I miss those summers, those lost seasons of yore!
Now all my summers I spend, working like never before.
Sigh! I wish I could go back to when summers brought joy
Alas! Now I can only sit and watch as life does pass me by!
