Rock-Solid Poem by Daniel Trevelyn Joseph

My cellphone can access the satellite
In the sky and any friend in the US
Across the oceans, but when I entered
Batan Tunnel on Pune Expressway,
The FM channel I was listening goes dead.

I was listening to 107.8 to meethi Rani’s
Musical laughter and chatter on Meow channel
India’s first exclusive FM channel for women.

I thought for waves that it is easy
To travel short distance within the tunnel
But obviously the hills are solid
And don’t allow entry, whether or not
You are satellite-returned!

Rani came back like music or rain
After a pause, lively as ever
To entertain me further on way to Pune.

Palm-size cloud stops the sun
A mote it is to trouble the mind’s eye
Dripping water-drops wear granite rock
Tender roots of a smile pierce the hard heart
Mysteries and angels appear at every turn.