Antique store in Kochi (Cochin), India
Author Archives: Simi K. Rao
Creatures Amongst Us
There are some who await
The call of the moon
And then there are some
Who stalk reckless and brazen
Beware of the creatures amongst us
Rhythm and Blues Chap 17: Tangled Chords
17: Tangled Chords
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My heart is a butterfly
Drifting aimless in the breeze
Floating without a care
Fluttering my wings
Of resplendent silk
Those who lay eyes upon me
Watch in wonder
As I dance, in a trance
To the song of freedom
And the music of love
It was a gorgeous piece of artwork–a tiny yet pristine butterfly arrested in mid-flight, so precious and fragile, handle with care or it’ll never fly again. Turning her hand this way and that, Khanak admired the way the ring caught the light. Surprisingly it seemed custom made for her finger.
How could something so small be responsible for such havoc and chaos in my life? She closed her eyes as the thing in her chest contracted in raw pain. For just a moment she had wanted to believe in what the cold piece of stone and metal implied. That’s what it is,just a symbol, an empty hollow symbol.
And it has served its purpose. She stole a glance sideways and caught him watching her. Her nerves came alive tingling in a flurry of excitement. It was his invariable effect on her no matter how well she thought she’d prepared herself.
Against her better judgment she felt drawn toward him; like fish to bait or mice to cheese; a surefire path to self annihilation.
His gaze didn’t falter, rather she was being perused with singular intensity.
I have my eye trained on the target, and it’s you!
Breathless, she felt trapped, ensnared. She turned away desperate for a way out, unsure if he had gauged the depth of her feelings mirrored in her face.
My Heart is a Butterfly
My heart is a butterfly
Drifting aimless in the breeze
Floating without a care
Fluttering my wings
Of resplendent silk
Those who lay eyes upon me
Watch in wonder
As I dance, in a trance
To the song of freedom
And the music of love
Beauty Needs No Introduction
The Taj Mahal in twilight.
Navratri- Celebration of the Divine Feminine
Navratri (in Sanskrit meaning Nine Nights) is the celebration of the feminine divine. During this festival nine forms of Shakti or Devi are worshiped. She is the ultimate embodiment of creative energy and celebrating her is considered most auspicious. This is one of the most important festivals of the Hindus and is celebrated all over India and the opportunity arrives twice a year: in the beginning of spring and autumn.
Just as India is a land of many languages and cultures, the celebration of Navratri too takes various forms. In West Bengal, the last four days are celebrated as Durga Puja where exquisitely decorated life size clay dolls of the Goddess depicted as slaying the demon Mahisasura are set up and on the fifth day are immersed in the river.
In Maharashtra and Gujarat, the festival is celebrated with the energetic Garba and Dandiya Raas dances.
In South India steps are set up and decorated with dolls in an arrangement called Golu.
The festival culminates in on the tenth day in Vijayadashami meaning ‘victory on the tenth day’ which refers to Lord Rama’s victory over the ten headed demon Ravana as well as that of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahisasura.
Spicy Snacks Beside the Sea- Juhu Beach, Mumbai
On a pleasant December afternoon (Yes, December!) take a break from hectic metro life and wander onto the famed Juhu Beach in Mumbai, India. And there, enjoy the sight of the locals drinking Kala Khatta (Indian blackberry juice, spiced with black salt, lemon juice and pepper and eat spicy Bhel (puffed rice, vegges spiced with tangy tamarind juice) or if you are brave enough sample it yourself. 🙂