Cold Warmth of the Mountains

                                                     I drive a dusty bumpy bouncy road,

with gurgling brooks,

and milky splashy waterfalls galore.

mountains towering above,

steep cliffs situate along,

amid trees of assorted blush,

an autumn tint in air.

Birds chirping and butterflies hovering,

squirrels skittering and an eagle scanning

the mighty river flowing below.

Even more…

a caravan of strong mules

laden with varied loads.

nature crafting music,

too soft for the rattling car.

The dust envelopes,

and disappears-with the cold wind.

I drive this enchanted realm,

70 miles alone and alien,

I reach an isolated school,

beautiful yet lonely- the buildings modern,

and the setting innate,

amidst fresh mountain breeze,

bamboo groves too,

oak trees with falling leaves,

whistling thrushes slipping away,

unfamiliar tweeting birds,

I felt the mountain love.

My host was warm,

as his room was,

with smoke chimneying,

from the burning hearth.

Dusk visits soon,

and darkness follows suite,

A candle lights up

the water  burbles,

in the big pot on the bukhari.

The delicious dinner,

served by faithful friend’s wife,

a sumptuous share taken.

Time fleets,

with reminiscences revisited.

The candle succumbs to the flame,

to be replaced by a new stick.

The dim room fills with laughter and life.

In this wintry place,

blessed by the untainted mountain beauty,

and my friend’s hospitality,

with the warm hearth,

and the thick heavy blankets too,

I felt the cold warmth of the mountains!!!