The Second Spring

Rain came down in torrents— The parched earth Rose to greet her… And let off some steam! You took a long time in coming— I was almost roasted alive Complained the parched earth Oh, the mountains fell in love with me They blocked my way— I had to take a circuitous route to reach you The winds blew me hither and thither I lost my way on my way! But now that I am here Pray, tell me, ‘What can I do for you?’ Oh, I have been thirsty for months The leaves on the trees Are heavy with dust I need a thorough wash I have been keenly waiting For the monsoon season So that I may have a natural bath ‘Monsoon is not a season’ Corrected the rain There are only two seasons— Summer and winter Monsoon is just a transitory phase Between summer and winter Just as spring is a transitory phase Between winter and summer People wear summer clothes And winter clothes They don’t wear spring clothes Or monsoon clothes If there is rain during summer, They wear raincoats over summer clothing Just as they do in winter Fresh leaves appear during monsoon Flowering plants and trees are abloom Animals and birds mate before monsoon Just as they do Before the arrival of spring Monsoon is a second opportunity for rejuvenation Just as spring is… In fact, it is a second spring!