Mashi Poem by Ratnakar Rout

Mashi; I will go back to you one day or other, I promise
As you know, my journey never ends, like your stream that flows
Recall when I last visited you, that summer noon
you bestowed on me the rarest of feelings of self exploration.
Remember quietly, that beautifully created stone
you laid for me beside the stream where on I sat for hours
my eyes closed, almost like a monk I plunged into deep silence.
I saw you in me, listened your voice, had never heard
such a magnificent tune ever earlier.
My longing heart enthralled with joy.
I realised myself that very moment being such a tiny creation
dared to read you. What an implausible hope I cherished
to accomplish my own desire, my search.
The music of the time you shared with me is unforgettable.
The cool sweet breeze that caressed me so intimately
I have preserved them all as precious treasure at my soul forever.
You were so broad unlike me, munificently went on
fulfilling my quivering mind. Believe me, I felt very embarrassed
in your matchless humility when I analysed.
What a selfish being I am? Questioned myself in the next moment.
Never open up, never transparent, never even care for others around me.
Honestly, I am speaking out from the core of my heart to share my feelings
that I have realised to a great extent there on your soil.
I have not collected 'Shilajit' or any other such precious gift of nature
to the humankind available in your divine land.
But, I have come back with a lesson that you taught me on that piece of stone
which would cleanse my burdened soul for the remaining days of my life.
Mashi; the sacred creation, I shall remain ever grateful to you.
Don't forget to keep that incredible piece of stone preserved for me,
as you are aware of my endless journey never ends
I will go back to you one day or other, I promise.

(Mashi, a beautiful stream that flows perennially in Rohtang valley of Himachal Pradesh in India)