Verses From Vembanad Poem by Padmanabhan Ananth

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.
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*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.