Paradise

Image1: A typical houseboat  similar to the one we stayed in (rented together with meals). The owner stayed in another houseboat nearby.The owner's 16-year old daughter (with fantastic rosy cheeks) would invariably arrive in the early evenings (rowing a small boat) with our meals. This went on every evening for the seven days. She was given a small golden chain which one of us had around the neck in appreciation ( all for the extra smile every time she came with the meals)

Image2: Typical mode of transport

Image3: Picturesque serenity of the Himalayas I imagine
(Picture Credit: Google images)


This was posted sometime in October 2010 in my 'birdhouse' blog (but was not linked any where) This is in nostalgic remembrance of the week's stay in the house-boat..

Remembering Kashmir 

Much maligned, holiday blues

What am I in for?

Set me free, morning dews

Droplets , shining , pierced by the Sun

Tell me more!

Rivulets of clear streams

Gushing down the mountain side

in the Kashmiri landscape

Say, am I dreaming?

No, say no more

A story that’s no ending

Fly onwards, Gulmarg and Pahalgam

Bring me back the flowers, the blue sky,

the snow,gushing streams crystal clear

of lovely maidens, and rosy cheeks

of house-boats and Dal Lake

Kashmir, I remember thee once of yesteryear

Undisturbed , decidedly picturesque, untouched ,

yearnings beyond,

markedly wishing

for Srinagar again beckons!

Submitted for d'Verse Open Link Night Week 18