After the storm

I was walking under the line of Peepal trees

As calm and content as a satiated puppy

When it took me by surprise, the turn the breezeless night

Took within an infitesimal span of time. 

The leaves overhead danced to a sombre tune

And a gusty wind picked up and within moments

My house was a pile of sand, neatly packed in dust and pruned. 

A storm raged about me and my head at first in the clouds

Pirouetted down to my stomach, wrenching my gut, 

Creating a dark grey hole in my heart, shattered to bits. 

An evil foreboding overtook my being as through dark shadows

Ghosts came alive it seemed, and I screamed

For mercy to be spared my life and those of my kin

Who may be buried in rubble inside. 

It seemed like years before the wet rain eased

And I searched about me for life away from the teeming steam. 

I ran about, screaming: "Ma and Baba!"

They were safe, as was the wind, for they too

Had been taking a walk under the Peepal trees. 

The wind is gentle now these days as we too have tamed it

With green love and nurturing care; all about me

I hear tales of that one dark night when the storm

Had snatched many innocent homes and lives. 

But if tended with gentle affection with all needs met, 

Petted and cajoled and spoilt with devotional breath

Yesterday's hurricane too will abide

By the law of kindness

And become a source of pride.