Mud Larking

MUD LARKING Since a kid having a habit of treasure hunt, whenever got a chance to go on riverside picking pebbles slimed with pale mud, scavenging for precious something submerged in alluvial deposit of holy majestic River Ganges flowing beside my hometown. During my childhood I accompanied my Grand Mom off and on when she went to bathe in the river. Once Grand Mom took me to watch a mini flood. The tide became violent whelming, perplexing me. My heart was swollen observing aqua opulence thrashing on bank. Long staircase of the bathing spot leading to river on gradual immersion. Strong tide lasted for forty minutes or so. High rise of water level diminished leaving the usual clay and sludge. I rejoiced starting my venture of search. Got startled to find a golden locket though later it turned a trinket, yet it was preserved as gem in my vault, a toffee-box. Next year on vacation, went to Great Grand Mom’s place Close by flowing a slender stream running giggling with little brittle ripples I collected two stones: one regular octagonal shaped sparkling shining glistening. In frolic mood I showed that to all, where Mom’s Cousin brother was present He insisted Mom to give him the stone. Mom took it away and gifted to her cousin. An innocent helpless child was cheated. Second one opaque irregular prismoid with a sharp pointed tip. It could cut glass perfect precise, a typical property of diamond. I preserved it for many years but later lost. As per my medical declaration, remnants of my bone and ash to be put on River Ganges to blend with clay. May be on rebirth, me as child to go for mud larking on edges of River Ganges. 04/06/20