Connie Marcum Wong Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Dreams of India

Dreams of India

Her music haunts me
in such a knowing way
it makes me weep
and causes my heart to ache.

I become homesick for her
scents, her sounds, her food,
her enchanting dance
which spawns dreams
of her romance.

I know in my heart
I have lived there,
I know, I have loved there.

Her poetry transcends
my spirit to encompass
a wholeness that is
so familiar to me.

I dream of the Ganges ,
and her gentle cleansing flow,
of reflections on its surface
when the moon is hanging low.

Of crickets singing nightly
to serenade me to sleep.
I dream of colors of the saris,
the beauty that they keep...

Of garlands placed with care,
a gajra in a maiden's hair
and the hues of floral leis.

I hold a reverence for Hindu 
Devata and Devi.
I aspire to learn the sacredness
of varmala in the seeds of
past lifetimes I have shared.

A passion grows for those
whose love glows through their 
auras to welcome strangers.

I'd love to share a cup of chai
to chat with friends in open air.
I long to return home, though
I have never been there.

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*a gajra: flowers which females use as a decoration 
for their hair.

*Varmala: is a tradition from ancient times where a beautiful garland of flowers symbolizes a proposal of marriage. In the tradition of Swayamvar. A female would choose her life partner from a group of suitors by placing a flower garland around the neck of her chosen man. Once the girl had made her choice, a marriage ceremony would be held gright away.

~Poem of the Day January 4, 2019~

~1st Place~
A BRIAN STRAND 1092
Brian Strand: Judged 2022 March 20

~9th Place Premiere Contest~
Your Best Free Verse That You Wrote Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Chantelle Anne Cooke 

'I Got a Darn NA Again' Contest
Sponsor Luloo
Free Verse Style Only Poetry Contest~N/A~

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Arjun Jangid September 16, 2022 at 6:46 AM A true indian believe in universal brotherhood. We respect guest as God. You panned our culture beautifully. Feeling of songs , Warmala , gajra etc are parts of great culture. Thank and hats off for sharing.

Ann Peck June 24, 2022 at 6:31 PM I just found your poem, Connie. I wasn't in Soup when you submitted. It is so lovely and descriptive. I felt I could see everything you mentioned. It's funny how certain places we feel we have lived in. I think we probably have in another life. Connie Marcum Wong June 26, 2022 at 5:18 AM I agree Ann. Thank you for your lovely comment. Blessings xxoo

David Walker June 16, 2022 at 7:07 AM Yes, the exotic sites and smells of India. I loved Sri Lanka. traveled the island from east to west. And even met some Tamils. Thank you for taking me back there. Connie Marcum Wong June 26, 2022 at 5:20 AM I would like to visit there. It is like Hawaii from what I have seen in movies. Leis and all. Thank you David. I’ve been under the weather and need to catch up. Blessings xxoo

Valsa George March 21, 2022 at 9:26 PM The last line surprised me so much ! On reading this poem I have been under the impression that you must have lived in India for long ! How well you have assimilated the culture and ethos of India ! Yes, there is so much to see in India especially for a nature lover and the diversity of life will really astonish anybody ! Beautiful write Connie....Hugs ! Connie Marcum Wong March 23, 2022 at 1:52 AM One day around the end of 2018 I was at the park and there was a lovely lady there with her family and she was singing a Hindi song that sounded so haunting and homesick yet beautiful it brought tears to my eyes. She inspired this poem. I watch a lot of Hindi movies and feel drawn to India like I may have lived a past life there. Thank you very much Valsa. Blessings xxoo

Malabika Ray Choudhury March 20, 2022 at 6:00 AM Congratulations on your win, again, in Brian's Contest. You know so much about India - feels like you belong to that ancient country with amazing cultural heritage. If possible, visit India when you can - it would be a charming and beautiful experience for you. "I long to return home, though I have never been there." How passionate is this expression! I am mesmerized! Love and hugs ~ Mala Connie Marcum Wong March 20, 2022 at 8:09 PM One day I would love to go. I enjoy watching Hindi movies. I probably spent a past life there. The music warms my heart as does the poetry. Thank you Mala. Love Connie xxoo

Christuraj Alex March 20, 2022 at 5:28 AM Great poem on India. Scenes I witness, more or less everyday are very illustriously described. Beautifully written. Congratulations! Connie Marcum Wong March 20, 2022 at 8:10 PM Thank you very much. I am honored. Blessings xxoo

Malabika Ray Choudhury March 28, 2021 at 9:53 AM So beautiful, Connie! Had you been to India? It all sounds so real - sari, gajra, Hindu Devatas and Devis, Ganges - OMG! You must have done a lot of research! Congratulations on your win! So well-deserved ~ Mala BTW - the picture you have chosen, is awesome, too.

Aditi Mishra June 22, 2020 at 1:40 AM Oh dear Connie! This is absolutely gorgeous and soothing. I am glad to read about India from you. Such beautiful imagery and soothing sounds that I can easily relate to-- chai, gajra, poetry, music, all of it. Congratulations on your win :) This is definitely a fave for me. Blessings and love :) Connie Marcum Wong June 22, 2020 at 11:20 PM I am so glad you like it Aditi. I am honored by your Fave. I love to watch Hindi movies too when I have the time. India is such poetic beautiful country. Thank you so much. Love and Blessings Connie xxoo

Susan Ashley June 21, 2020 at 8:21 PM Connie, it is such a pleasure to return to offer my congratulations on your excellent win in Chantelle's contest and to partake of the magic and beauty your poem offers once again. An intoxicating piece. Warmest wishes always, dear poetess.. ~Susan Connie Marcum Wong June 22, 2020 at 11:22 PM Thank you so much Susan. Poetry flows from India's beauty. Blessings xxoo

Andrea Dietrich June 19, 2020 at 1:23 PM ahh one of my faves of yours is on her winner list. BIG congrats for that, Connie. You chose a really great poem of yours to enter into her best free verse contest. By the way, I am told by Michael that they took Slave New World off youtube. Did you get the chance to watch it? I regret now that I did not see it.

Darlene De Beaulieu February 26, 2020 at 1:09 PM Hello Connie Marcum Wong, just by reading your poem made me feel like i was there. Have a nice day my friend. Darlene De Beaulieu February 27, 2020 at 12:54 PM Yes that is so true Connie you know it is nice to see the different cultural the way people live.Also to try different foods. I find that interesting. Have anice day my friend. Connie Marcum Wong February 26, 2020 at 3:00 PM Thank you very much Darlene. If we could all appreciate our cultural differences we might be able to live in harmony with other countries. xxoo

Arjun Jangid October 13, 2019 at 4:21 AM Deep knowledge of India, holy Ganga ,gajra ,varmala , chai ,sarees etc.are nicely panned. If you like to visit India. You are most welcome .Have a pleasant day. Connie Marcum Wong February 26, 2020 at 3:03 PM I regret I never answered your most beautiful response to this poem Arjun. I was extremely busy at the time looking after my seven year old granddaughters and I just could not fit in time for poetry then. I appreciate this kind comment more than you know. Thank you so very much. xxoo

Aniruddha Pathak October 8, 2019 at 1:07 AM Dreams of India, Such authentic understanding of Indian milieu and culture, gajra, swayamvara, and the like! Congrats.

Jean Murray July 5, 2019 at 4:41 PM So evocative Connie. I was once there for three weeks and this brought it all back. The place that pulls me I have never been is Egypt. Someday....

Barry Stebbings July 4, 2019 at 3:58 PM Charming, Connie. I have never been to India but I can feel the depth of the country from your poem. Congratulations on your win. // Barry.

Pandita Sietesantos July 4, 2019 at 8:14 AM Congratulations, Connie, on your top podium win with this beautiful, romantic, fascinating poem! I am thrilled that you had a second chance to share this jewel and for it to receive the gold it deserves! Best regards. Pandita

Paul Callus July 4, 2019 at 2:07 AM This poem deserved due recognition from the very start, Connie. I loved it first time I read it. Congratulations on a most merited top placement. ~ Warm regards // paul

Kurt Ravidas May 2, 2019 at 3:41 AM As one person said: "It is good if a pilgrim has an opportunity to visit Varanasi, but it is better if he carries Varanasi in his heart". Beautiful poetry, Connie.

Kai Michael Neumann April 18, 2019 at 4:58 AM You must go. There are so many wonderful and enchanting things there. And plenty of very kind people. Although my memories are from 30 years back, it hold a great place in my heart too. Kai Connie Marcum Wong April 18, 2019 at 9:17 PM Thank you Kai. Maybe oneday. I have offers from poets who tell me they would meet me to show me around...very tempting but my husband is ill and I won't leave him alone. : ) xxoo

Constance La France January 26, 2019 at 8:35 AM Connie, what a beautiful poem, I love it, I cannot believe it did not place, that makes no sense to me, well it got a deserved POTD on Jan 4 and will get a FAV from me today and I adore that image too ~ Connie Marcum Wong April 18, 2019 at 9:18 PM Thank you so very much for faving this poem. It is special to me and it was enough that it was chosen POTD. I appreciate you faving it. Hugs, Connie xxoo

Debjani Mitra January 25, 2019 at 8:10 PM Oh Connie.. I just came across your excuisite poem today.. Its Republic Day here.. Believe me. Your write has a hidden tone of honest love.. I stay in a small city in India.. You really made all indians feel proud... Wishes that your dream comes true.. Would love to join Anisha in welcoming you at kolkata airport Connie Marcum Wong January 25, 2019 at 8:30 PM Your comment has made my heart happy Debjani. You honor me with such a lovely comment. Happy 70th Republic Day! I will be looking at parade photos taken in Rajpath. The same invitation is extended to you if you ever are in my part of the world in the middle of the Pacific. Blessings and Thank you so much! : ) xxoo

Sunita U.D Palawon January 24, 2019 at 10:50 AM Enchanting...you describe the beauty of a culture with such exquisite words dear friend. Lovely read. :) Sunita. Connie Marcum Wong January 25, 2019 at 8:30 PM Happy 70th Republic Republic Day my friend! Thank you so much. : ) xxoo

Swetha Vangaveti January 23, 2019 at 4:33 AM Culture admiration at its best ... Loved it :) Connie Marcum Wong January 23, 2019 at 11:31 PM Thank you Swetha. Very nice to meet you. Aloha, Connie

Lindsay Laurie January 16, 2019 at 8:22 PM Hello Connie … India is a country that has so much culture that spans for centuries and is such a lure for an outsider. A lovely poem Connie - Lindsay Connie Marcum Wong January 16, 2019 at 10:56 PM Thank you very much Lindsay. I am drawn to India and wish I could go one day. : )

Geoffrey Brewer January 16, 2019 at 6:13 AM Your poem beautifully evokes for me, times spent in India - this life and possibly...? You have described the intense stimulation of all the senses - remarkable for one who has not been there (this life!). Well written! Connie. Connie Marcum Wong January 16, 2019 at 10:57 PM Thank you Geoffrey. I do feel a strong connection to India, perhaps from a past life. : )

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