Indian Princess - In Memory of Connie

Inspired By Connie Marcum Wong's 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. Notes: *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 right away. MY TRIBUTE TO CONNIE MARCUM WONG Connie never went to India, but she thought she should have been born there…a mythical, mystical, sacred land of her dreams ~ a Princess wearing a Banarasi saree, a gajra on her hair…stunningly beautiful! In my mind, she is there holding, for her beloved, a Varmala! September 24, 2022 Short Connie Tributes - How Did Connie Marcum Wong Inspire You Poetry Contest Sponsor: Andrea Dietrich