August-8- 2025
Carnival Nights Poetry Contest
Sponsor- Robert James Ligouri
~ Placed Seventh~
Under the inky façade of the night sky, With reluctant steps, I joined the stream of men Flowing to the place of the great celebration. A huge crowd was already there in the temple premises. Its vicinity was bursting with colour and flashing lights. The young and the old, clad in festal attire, With fire in their hearts and festive sheen in their eyes Thronged, not driven by piety, but mostly to enjoy the fanfare. Festoons decorated the trees that lined the compound. Colourful lamps were blinking everywhere Sacred bells kept chiming intermittent At the auspicious hour, as devotional songs rent the air, The chief deity was brought out of the shrine And was placed on the caparisoned elephant, Accompanied by pulsating percussion ensemble. The devotees cheered witnessing the majestic entourage. Within them, the fervid spring of joy swelled. Colourful umbrellas were unfurled, Drawing synchronized patterns in the air. An army of hawkers had already set up shops. Each made it a time to earn some bucks, Selling knick-knacks and goodies- from ice creams To popcorn and colourful balloons, to tempt children The young ones ran around licking cotton candies. Some enjoyed blowing up soap bubbles, With iridescent orbs landing softly on their hair and dress. Under the glare and noise, the heat and sweat, Amid the tumultuous beat of trumpets, And the rhythmic sounding of cymbals, The crowd swayed in psychedelic lassitude. I was just a mute witness to the whole hullabaloo. Amid the faceless crowd, I stood aloof, so aloof, With an abysmal loneliness gnawing me from inside. I had hoped the carnival would help me forget the past And drown my scalding pain, but sad memories, Followed me close to my heels like a mangy mongrel. Deep down, how I wished I was part of the revelry!
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