Pausing
The sun sets, splashes
into a pool of red punch, one brilliant flash
and gone.
The woman, with freshly shampooed hair
watches from the veranda, the air
scented with coriander and cardamon,
garam masala, and more–spices
like magic transform.
Now as the dal simmers and also the rice,
she thinks there is chutney to make, mangoes to slice,
but still, she pauses–
soon, the stars, like small dinghies will sail
their light pale, the first star a flying fish–
she looks up to make a wish,
and it blazes, vanishes with swift swish,
a single note in the universe’s tune
she hears the melody now, smiles
at the humming moon.
For Punam’s prompt on dVerse using Indian words that have become commonly used in English.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
Thank you!
The small and lovely moments make the difference in life. Beautiful, Merril! Enjoy your evening! xx Michael
Thank you very much, Michael. Enjoy the rest of your evening, too! 💙
This was so soft and lovely. I like the scents but also how she manages to take a break.
Thank you so much! Yes, I like that, too. 🙂
Merril, I love how you wove in Indian cooking into your tranquil verse! ” the stars, like small dinghies will sail” was an absolute gem! 💙
Thank you so much, Punam! 💙
You are welcome. 😊
Lovely every which-way, Merril. Done just right.
Thank you so much, Lisa!
You’re welcome!
I particularly like the scented air in this poem, so many rich smells to bid farewell to the day and welcome the night.
Thank you so much, Liz.
With all that I’ve been seeing about Diwali, I’ve been craving Indian food. 🙂
You’re welcome, Merril.
Wow, you really captured that image and added some spices.
Thank you so much, Maria!
(I found the image after.)
“soon, the stars, like small dinghies will sail
their light pale, the first star a flying fish–”
Beautiful poem Merril. Thanks for dropping by to read mine
Much❤love
Thank you so much, Gillena, for your kind words! 💙
I love the peace and gentleness here. (K)
Thank you very much!
The mood is beautifully rendered!
Thank you so much, Dora!
The freshly shampooed hair set the whole tone for me( I love the feeling of new clean hair). Such a great picture you painted here.
Thank you so much, Claudia.
I like clean hair, too. 😊
Very nicely done, Merril!
Thank you, Dwight!
You are welcome!
Such beautiful poetry.
Thank you, Jude! 😊
a pleasure🙏🏽
Delightful
Thank you, Derrick.
Evocative!
So many thoughts carrying on in my mind, from simmering dal.
Love the cadence in this poem. So it flows.
Thank you very much, Resa. I’m glad you think it flows.
Simmering dal sounds good to me right now, even though the sun is not every up yet.
Absolutely lovely Merril!
Thank you, Linda!
This is absolutely breathtaking…and the artwork is a perfect match.
My favorite stanza:
‘soon, the stars, like small dinghies will sail
their light pale, the first star a flying fish–
she looks up to make a wish,
and it blazes, vanishes with swift swish,’
find my poem here: http://www.the-appalachian-gypsy.com/2022/10/watching-night-fall-across-city.html
Thank you so much for your kind words and for picking out your favorite stanza. I’m so pleased you like the poem.
It took me a long time to find an image that worked with it.
“a single note in the universe’s tune”
Your word painting makes me hear this!
Thank you very much! 😊
this is so beautiful
Thank you very much! 😊
Beautiful writing, Merril!
Thank you so much! 😊