Our car drove into the resort for holiday
From Kochi* one bright summer noonday
Idyllic place surrounded by giant trees
Built in Malabar^ style with teak-n-tiles
Behind it was the vast, stunning Vembanad^^
Pristine backwaters, greenery abundant
The still lake glistened under noon sun
Occasional ripples of rowboats' oarsmen
Warmth from the cool welcome drinks
And cheerful staff's courteous smiles
Comforted us, as did our cottage rooms
All set for a pleasant summer recess
The masseur's strong arms, aromatic oils
On my body, he played Sivamani's** drums!
Percussion session, steam-bath followed
I was so refreshed after it hurt and healed
Multi-course meals, calm garden walks
The very air had that special effect on us
As if it could somehow wash our lungs
To remove our city's grime and gunk
Our special houseboat arrived, docked
Picking us, out of resort pier it chugged
Surprised we were at the boat's amenities
And the honest hospitality of its crews
Stunning views of giant red setting sun
The disk sank into lake turning it crimson
Followed by sudden assembly of rain clouds
To create a storm and downpour thunderous
Lanky coconut trees on banks of the waters
Swayed and bowed with winds to welcome us
Fishing villages on banks, noisy fisherfolk
Offering to guests, fresh catch from lake
Our houseboat silently moored for night
Dinner fresh-n-simple, pleasing the palate
Restful dark with only toads' loud croaks
Nocturnal creatures' competing throats
We sailed back full throttle the next morning
Daylight waters give us views, more stunning
Lone fisherman in oar boat with roof-thatch
Flimsy net, skilled hands ensured clever catch
An occasional houseboat passed us by
Gratified guests cheeringly waved 'bye-bye'
We reached our waiting retreat by the lake
Our cruise ended and so did our break
Good dose of 'God's Own Country', we did take.
- - - - -
*Cochin in Kerala, India
^Malabar is South India
^^The longest lake in India located in Karala.
**A drummer in the band of Oscar award winner AR Rahman.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem