Shahpura House

This written on the balcony as dusk fell this evening:

Nb: Today is the first day of Diwali. Although actual Diwali is not til the end of the month, fireworks are freely available in shops and on the street bazaar. Don't seem to be any regulations. There have been fireworks, rockets and bangs going off all evening.
Cows are seen as holy because they give milk and are the mothers of all; they roam freely.


The distant howling wail of the rail
Is calling me home to be on my way again.
Away from the noise and the clamour
The smell and the street filth of Jaipur manor.
That I have grown to understand; in just a while
Her chaotic life pace and yet beautiful smile.

A herd of mothers pass by along the street
With dust and traffic and people meet
They sway and walk totally unaware
Of the firework bangs; Diwali there.
The noises echo around the street where
Behind the wall the children play; what do they care?

There is a buzz downstairs, arriving full
Coachload Saga, which is the tourist pull.
They come to gaze and stare yet in awe
At the Jaipur history as many before.
And I too have seen India wonders sure,
On the cossetted safe sightseeing tour.

But they do not know.

The distant howling wail of the rail
Is calling me home to be on my way again.
A train, a ride and then a flight
And I will be home soon on another night.
Where I long to be and to be beside
My love who waits for me - but is yet here inside
My heart.