An Ode to my House

    30-Apr-2023
|
Yojna
I have a house in Dong busty Peshok tea garden
We used to grow tea, oranges, cardamom, vegetables and spices
We lived with two cows, one pig, many hens and a dog named Bulu
Occasionally wild boars and monkeys used to visit.
Our house faced north towards Kalimpong & South to Teesta valley
In the evening I danced with my sister to songs played in All India radio
While Ama cooked in the chulla
Apa used pine from our garden to smudge the house
Wednesday & Friday was a grand affair as we watched Chitrahar in Doordarshan
along with our neighbours in battery powered TV
As many seasons have changed so has my life
Thus, here I am giving an ode to my house
Oh house ! You stand still even in the midst of storm
Scorched by the sun, battered by rainfall, shaken by wind
Yet you stand still
Your nook & corners many times a child play
Sometimes to hide, read, cry or vent
A lovers nest, a place to rest a tired soul
Yet you stand still
You have been beautified in ceremonies
Renovated, extended, carved to accommodate
Yet you stand still
You have seen the rise & fall
You have seen birth & death of beloved
You are a store house of secrets
Yet you stand still