India

Sweet India,

Your warm embrace and smile captivate me. With amorous bold beauty I was smitten by you the moment I arrived.

Your body, exotic in form and expressive with the taste of masala, chile and cinnamon. You exude confidence. An explosion of flavor dazzled and mesmorized me. Your aroma intoxicating of lotus, hibiscus and marigolds. The essence of you all around me. From the congested streets in Delhi to the swanky nightlife at the Khan market. You are candid in appearance.

I feel your strength and see grit in the people. Laboring day and night with pleasantry and poise. On hand and knee taking pride at every turn, I am humbled by you. And as much as you are strong, there is a vulnerable side that appeals to me. Women demure in their traditional sari and choli and the men finely dressed in their achkan at a Rajasthan wedding. I am immersed in your being that dates back thousands of years. This lavish culture of wishes and astronomy in the way the stars align.

The deities, you are Brahma, lord of the cosmos and creation. Vishnu the preserver of life. Ganesha bestowing wisdom and good fortune.  Krishna the embodiment of love and divine joy and destroyer of all pain, among all the other deities in Hinduism.

Wealthy in culture, displayed with gestures of subtlety and respect, I admire you. Your journey past and present teaching, learning and understanding enlightenment have molded you. Your people accept me with generosity and overwhelming kindness that make me feel majestic. Surrounded with colors of gold, red, orange and yellow,  possessing an  eloquence and richness that distinguish you.

I am enthralled walking the Uttar streets to see the wonder of the Taj Mahal. Visiting the Agra fort where Mughal ruled and resided, to traveling to Jaipur, the Pink city, where the Jantar Mantar appears with sophistication the instruments of astronomy and time. Oh, India…how thoughtful and accommodating you have been to me.

I am blessed by you. Having been able to see your site, submerge in your world and take a part of you back with me to western civilization. Dhanyavaad India for my “once in a lifetime” experience.

You will forever be in my heart.