Young, happy and gay
Outside was where
We were the whole day
Going home only for grub
To refuel and replenish.
The air - less polluted
Flora and fauna abounded
Blessed to have seen and caught
Butterflies of so many colors and variety
A sight which our children
Cannot see.
A nearby hillock - so rocky
Uneven steps, so slippery
Off the beaten track we climbed
Scraping our elbows and knees
Making the climb more
Adventurous and daring.
Heard stories about this temple
Had caves that connected
All the way to the temples in the North
Equipped with water bottles
And candles (not everyone owned torches)
We set forth on our own pilgrim
Chickening even before we set forth
Vowing not to try it henceforth.
Closing my eyes,
Going back in time
I can still smell and feel the taste
Of Granny's cooking.
We also played cards together
Betting money of course
Amazing how she held them
In her arthritic hands.
Visualizing- plaiting her long wizened hair
Then twisting it into a neat bun
Not a daily chore but, a ritual.
Can see her reading newspaper
Her wrinkled face
A picture of immense concentration
My great-grandma
To us - an enigma!
Memories so many
So fond...
All i can say is
"I Miss You."
