A Land of Poetry It Is

In my dream, appears a mysterious land from far away...                        of the vermilion sky at mesmerizing dawn, Prayers arising from boats on holy river, Ganges, at Varanasi, mystical chants wafting to, and floating in consciousness! my birthplace, an ancient civilization          of saints and hermits, of vedas and epics,      a land of classical languages, poetry, art, music….     picturesque and beautiful as we imagine heaven to be!  For thousands of years, where verses flow from golden quills of bards              painting this unique mythical land !      peaceful and loving countrymen, never hesitate to      welcome guests and share meagre food that they have,           polite and humble, honest and warm,    respectful and gracious,         pretence and arrogance they shun, their life is interwoven           with religious faith and piety!      I was born in a country of astounding natural beauty!    My land is surrounded by deep emerald-blue oceans,  My land is protected by majestic Himalayas, tallest awe-inspiring mountains,  meandering streams hum melodious lullaby before meeting their destination,             mighty river Ganges descend on coral rocks,                 singing the sonata of love and hymns,   cool breeze lull the hard-working souls to sleep.  Peacock, the national bird, dance to the tantalizing music of rain,            spreading its unique feathers and plumes,                  monsoon drizzles the fertile lands,           farmers worship, and welcome the divine boon.      Tiger is the national animal, living in dense forests,                   Elephants roam peacefully in herds,                 building a cordial rapport with humans, perching on bushy trees, Koel and Mynah sing the sweetest songs,               a mellifluous symphony of heart and soul!     a land of grandiose palaces and forts, serene temples and mosques,           all religions living together in unanimity and bliss,                  composed tranquility from churches,                   ardent prayers and soulful chants from shrines, joyous celebrations, colourful festivals of Holi - festival of colour, Diwali - the festival of lights,                            harvest festival of Onam...    create a unique picture of integration, harmony and peace.  Reference: Ganges: The 2,525 km (1,569 mi) river rises in the western Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It flows south and east through the Gangetic plain of North. Varanasi or Benares is a city on the Ganges river in northern India that has a central place in the traditions of pilgrimage, death, and mourning in the Hindu world. May 27, 2023 "Is Your Birthplace-country A Poem" Poetry Contest Sponsor: Anoucheka Gangabissoon FIRST PLACE