FAMILIARITY

The flying dust in the air, the screeching horns, the blaring loudspeakers

birthdays of local leaders on massive billboards at every turn

bikes and motorcycles' daredevil stunts to cut across 

auto drivers' incredible manoeuvres through blocked traffic

street hawkers' wares on commuters faces

exhaust from buses and other vehicles, the unwanted face pack

scene in every Indian metropolis or city,

yet every time I travel back to India

these accustomed visuals and muddled commotions

exude a chaotic warmth, silent senses locate a charger in the cacophony.

Night sleep adjusts to the rhythm of the ceiling fan,

a sound tucked in memory of growing years

the barks of stray dogs heighten the nocturnal harmony

The late-night TV sounds of neighbours

the slamming of lift doors, careless footstep sounds on some floors

each note, a lullaby chord, impressions tugging me to deep sleep.

Tunes of different calling bells arouse me from slumber

sounds of the caws of the morning crows, 

sometimes squeaks of different birds

I fail to identify, break my dreams.

The cooker whistles in someone's house 

sounds of slurping filter coffee in my house

eyes open to some neighbour in yogic posture on a terrace

another doing deep breathing exercises. 

Stare down from the balcony

to see morning walker's matching strides

vendors selling fresh flowers, vegetables 

sights so colourful and various, my eyes 

unable to focus on one.

Each scene so well acquainted to eyes, yet so arresting

the joy of familiarity, the pleasure of the known,

sights, smells and sounds each a part of my being, 

I am so comfortable with.