Sunday 18 October 2020

Lime and sandal

 


The kaffir lime’s canopy in G-block -

my mother’s friend grew it in her backyard

and broke off a few every time I went there

and gave them to me, but always in pairs,

the empress of fragrance, acid green and hard

their smell lingered, like sandal incense smoke

used in her shrine and down the lane somewhere.

Just a small, unpaved patch, yard’s too grandiose

there we played in the mud, her child and I

and there was the first tree I saw up close,

learnt what leaves, barks and seasons signify -

perfume entire lanes as the canopy grows.

Houses. And childhoods. Discrete blocks of time

characterised by sandal and kaffir lime.





I've finally managed to travel back home - the pandemic has meant the skies were shut for the last six months. Home leave is never easy but this one is a level of difficulty all by its own self...back here again on Wednesday for the fear fest October Challenge of Write...Edit...Publish...  See you soon.











10 comments:

  1. I am so very glad that you have been able to go home again.
    And love these precious memories you capture in your sonnet to share.
    Many, many thanks.

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    Replies
    1. The scarier the present gets the more the relief in the past! Thanks, EC.

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  2. Hari OM
    the relief of memory relived! It's a mad world... YAM xx

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    Replies
    1. Totally insane and no signs of sanity returning anytime soon. Stay safe and well.

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  3. very glad you could get back home. And your poem...I was inhaling the scents and appreciating the wonder of a tree. Take care and have a good week

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    Replies
    1. Trees make for the loveliest memories. You have a good week too.

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  4. Nila, I hope you're inhaling many beautiful memories during your trip back home.

    'Discrete blocks of time

    characterised by sandal and kaffir lime.'

    Arrive back to Bahrain safe and well. x

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  5. Hi Nila - so pleased you were able to get back ... after the challenging summer you've been having ... it must be so difficult for you and your family.

    Wonderful evocative scented memories you've given us ... lime and sandal - in the heart of Kolkata ... the perfumed air of early childhood home.

    Take care and all the best - Hilary

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