Glorious Kanchanjungha

It was a frantic effort   
to take a shot 
of the elusive Kanchanjungha;  
one of the few highest peaks of the world
which looks at mortals roaming on earth 
from its high and lofty seat above all,   
by the mobile phone or camera exquisite 
to keep her close to our heart thereafter
but rainy season was the stumbling block;
it was the end of a typical summer thirst for rains
 to quench it the rain arrived in the hills first. 
 Darjeeling could not be approached;
 closed by Bandh, as if a seize
by foreign elements. 
Pelling wasn’t that suitable place
due to clouds and rains creating haze
though we took few illusive snaps 
of the majestic peaks
arranged in series.    
We drove to Kaluk then and stayed put
for a few days with determination to shoot
 making best use of the season
cloudy and rainy
before it engulfed us entirely. 

Nights would end before clocks could strike four  
we’re ready to make a score; 
light of dawn greeted us with blessing
but Nature played hide and seek
with clouds and rains, haze and lightning.  
Every moment seemed better than before;
when we’re ready to score
clouds blocked the sunrays 
on the majestic peaks
leaving us eagerly to seek
the moment again.
Sometimes big white cloud-boats sailed 
sometimes darkening hounds bayed
over the mountains.
 Clouds became pregnant with rains;
particles of water blurred our views 
soon they fell all around 
over the hills and dales, woods and rivers.
At intervals morning Sun greeted  
the snow covered peeks with its golden rays 
and the silvery heads 
of the mountain held their sway; 
we snapped them before they were fade
but next moment they became more accurate,
swaying from side to side, the glorious peaks
challenged the beauty of each other, 
each next moment differed from the earlier
keeping us away from the best forever. 
It went on for some days;
 tied to the views of the peaks 
seeking the best opportunities 
we remained for hours thus
before we’re prepared 
for the morning routines and breakfast. 

At the end of our stay 
we viewed our closing stock 
to find that the glorious peaks  
neither deceived us nor eluded; 
each of us has preserved 
the exquisite images  
of the Golden Sun 
glowing in love 
and the peaks dazzling in answer. 
Like us many of the visitors have snapped you before
each one of them has kept his treasure 
which may be forgotten or lost in the course of time;
 we promise to keep you close to our heart with care
though time knows that nothing remains even when rare. 
 O Kanchanjungha, glory to thee!
you are worshipped by locals and millions of devotees
we too while parting worship you, the deity of the hills.     
@ Aju Mukhopadhyay, 2017
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Mukhopadhyay Avatar
July 4, 2020 at 11:37 AM
I am happy that the Silent one hasn't remained silent about my poetry. Hearty thanks for your comments. Your poem too touch the inner hearrt of the lover. Aju Mukhopadhyay
One Avatar
July 4, 2020 at 9:24 AM
Aju, this is a very well written poem with so many great lines, creating vivid imagery...
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