Winter in the Tropics
As we hopscotch towards the final quarter of the year
everyone has got alert ears.
Not because of impending danger, but
the wait for the most anticipated season is over,
The Winter.
This season bonds even the strangers
like those of Game of Thrones characters.
Winter is coming, Winter is coming, Isn't it?
not feeling much, the previous year was freezing.
Snow season becoming the ice breaker
I am sure all will agree.
However, for some folks,
Winter, snow and all things associated
are much like folklore.
Without further ado, let me introduce our protagonist
to a mass drumroll.
A typical South Indian who loves his sambar,
Baila and kuttu paadu.
Smart enough to avert the winter small talk
with ambivalent nodding, occupied or rather
swayed away by the aroma of his filter Kapi.
He is excited for other reasons.
The parties to attend and the beach.
Attending kalyanams, kazzar and ooru jaatres
Meeting maamas and other relatives.
The food and the music Gods casting a spell
with the help of some spirits
loads of memories created.
Let us go to the beach is an emotion
Parents, friends, relatives stating the word
would create an instant reaction.
Certain things cannot be explained.
Crashing of the waves, the breeze(r)
can get one excited.
How does one explain perfect beach-going weather?
Oh Gosh!
One can’t stop humming
I've Just Seen A Face by The Beatles
Fallin', yes, I am fallin'
And she keeps callin'
Me back again.
Alright, I agree
seeing first snow would be overwhelming.
One may clap, sing, dance, shed tears of joy
That would be like a perfect winter.
Though I have not seen the snow
the idea of winter is sold like a mirage to a desert traveller
Okay fine.
That was too much to ponder.
So here goes my poem.
Winter in the tropics
Beach time it is.
I got to go.
Vanakkam.
*References:
Mass -Tamil slang for the best.
Maama - uncle, (person to meet or to avoid) depends on your relation
Baila - a mix of multiple songs in a traditional catholic wedding
Kuttu - It gets too hard to describe a beat, when it is all about the groove. Probably I would suggest you listen to Maari movie songs,
Kazaar - Mangalorean Catholic wedding, where Pork is the highlight.
Ooru jaatres - village festivals, temple festivals.
Vanakam - Hello, Hi, Welcome…
Note:
The best way to enjoy this piece would be listening to Urvasi By A.R Rahman
About the poet:
Trevor Pinto is a Mangalore born Bangalore based HR professional. In his spare time, he tires to figure out the accidental chords on his guitar. His secret stash of poems would be released once he successfully expresses the flavours of a Persimmon. His Instagram handle is @pinto.trevor
Kommentarer