In the wilderness of Arizona
Overlooked by mountains from the West
Devotees have Lord Ganesha housed
At the heart of Maricopa
In a temple that spires
Into the blue skies
And competes
With the mounts of Sierra Estrellas
The Lord is roused every morn
By the moos of cattle
From farms that abound
In the surrounds
Winds of the Sonoran desert pay obeisance
With the abundant aroma
Of peas, pecans, melons, citrus and alfalfa
I ventured into His presence
In the early morning breeze
Charged with the scent of incense
Flowers, camphor and turmeric
Smiling sat the Lord of elephant visage
Granting boons to one and all
The great remover of obstacles
In a desert town that once had
Received and sent dreamers in hordes
Into the arms of wilderness
In quest of gold to the North
As trains through day and night
Screeched and rattled on adamant tracks
Outside the door on my way back
A brownie dog stood guard
His face, I thought, spoke of a Mexican past
Whom I befriended with the biscuits I had
Into a playful bonhomie that sang
The world is one and the Lord too so
May all we see be auspicious too
The Lord inside sure did smile
Wonderful recall of a visit to Ganesha temple.You recorded your observations of past and present with lucidity and eloquence.
This poem took me on a short and sweet trip to the Sri Ganesha temple at Maricopa. The Lord inside shall surely smile at you for producing such a beautiful poem!
Beautiful tribute to my favourite deity sir. One world one God... Very true remover of all obstacles...thanks for sharing sir.
The new clime has surely roused the Muse in you Rajendran sir! Really enjoyed this recalling of the memories of your visit to the Ganesh temple, situated in the wilderness of Arizona! Yes, the wold is one and the Lord too!
This poem on Lord Ganesh came so refreshing to me from the beginning to the very end, starting with the vibrant setting surrounding Lord Ganesh ending with the dog singing bonhomie. A perfect devotional poem! Thanks so much for sharing, poet Rajendran Nair, Tushar
To take notice of things - great and small is a gift in itself. Going to the temple and to visualize how He takes care of one and all, and then to wander outside and see 'something' in even a stray dog - is a gift of simplicity. Very nicely worded.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Good poem, nicely written, thanks for share this...