A Paradise In Spring Poem by Aniruddha Pathak

Lord Vishnu once blasé of the same old scene,
Far too familiar with His abode's ease,
Wondered if a better place there has been
That exhilarates with rich fragrant breeze.

Arbudanchal1 My Lord, Narada said,
His companion and a sage versatile,
A hilly resort to soothe a tired head,
It is waiting to welcome you with smile.

But how would I find this new paradise?
Look for a place bursting with spring flowers,
Naught whatso like it anywhere else lies,
Rich air wafts bliss from blossoming bowers.

No one can miss that golden yellow hue,
Aroma so rare in the floral world,
A long spring is about to be unfurled,
Once you reach there you'll need no other clue.

And ye can't miss those trees towering tall,
Glossy green leaves and ethereal fragrance,
Nor miss her pyramid-like sloping wall,
Once there you'll know this place, in single glance.

Yea, but this was so back in fairer time,
When earth nigh but rivalled all paradise,
Old Arbudanchal1 of immortal clime,
Air spilled when with life breath and man was wise.

Today the green is struggling to grow,
Hills bulldozed bare, bald with brazen progress,
There's little left the old glory to show,
Save manicured greens wearing tailored dress!

And still enough hints of the old glory
That I hope would one day trace times hoary.
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Arbudanchal1: The present day hill station called Mt. Abu in Rajasthan. I was there for ten days in late April to re-explore its beauty after a long time of thirty years. The difference I found was stark. This piece describes the place, then known as the envy of even the abode of Vishnu.
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Reminiscing | 04.06.08 |