The last time I saw Nanda Devi

 

I still remember -

It was on the way

To the Vedanta Ashram,

Swamiji’s school of dreams

That I had seen

For the last time

Nanda Devi –

That marbled godly glimpse

 

Nanda, Sunanda

Didn’t whisper back

That spirit of Kumaon

Stern and hard,

Yet, the artist-pilgrim

Inside said,

Come back Painter,

Come back bard

 

I wonder when

Can I reverse

That descent that day

To Champawat,

To climb Bugyals,

Rishiganga’s gorge

Then the heavens at Nanda,

Badrinath

 

To smell the blooms

Of Smythe’s Valley,

To smell the trail

Of the leopard snow,

To see the snow plumes

Float again,

As the peaks catch fire

In the sunset glow

 

Gangotri’s melt

Comes this far

The glacial teal

Has turned to black,

But there is faith,

Himalayan hope,

That we both shall

One day be back

 

Even if we sail

To faraway lands,

Even if we cross

The Seven Seas

The mother forgives

The prodigal child,

Nanda Devi’s blessings

Never cease…

 

03^rd October, 2024