Varanasi
Varanasi is the Hindu holy city formerly called Benares. The "ghats" are a series of steps leading down to the river, and are divided into areas for various purposes. Hanuman is the Hindu monkey-god.
The "video" is the soundtrack of me reading the poem, with a still picture accompaniment.
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Ganges, dawn, a luminous haze
over the water. The bathing ghats
are busy with the faithful. (But India
is inconceivable without faith.)
The robed bathers, raising river water
to the sun, pouring it back
to mother Ganges, are they worshipping
the sun or the river?
For them God is everywhere
and everything. Water, sun,
the river and the twinkling lamps floating on it
are part of one consciousness.
The burning ghats too (such quantities of wood
stacked ready) are beginning their day.
The funeral party approaching in respectful haste
have a job to do. They build their pile,
move the body to the wood,
start the fire. I watch, but not for long.
This moment, so intimate, so public, reminds me
I am an intruder here. The ashes
will return to Ganga unwitnessed by me.
Away from the river, the vendors of tea
do their trade among the stalls. Monkeys,
cheerfully pilfering, are chased away
half-heartedly, for they are Hanuman’s representatives,
and they, with the sacred, garbage-clearing cows,
are part of the one consciousness. In this land
all are “the faithful”, everything is God’s creation.
In this poverty is richness.
An impressive write. Exceptional and vividly moving. Love the closing line. "In this poverty is richness." AAA+
Like Sri despite being Indian - I am yet to visit Varanasi. Thanks you for this very sensitive write on India
A wonderful poem on a legendary city! The title attracted me to your poem in the first place. All your descriptions seem to come straight from the heart. A great write!
LIving in India since last 35 years...I have never been to Varanasi...but your special poem took me there ...thank you for making me realize what a special country I live in...Kudos :)
Thanks for this vivid trip to India. You put me in your shoes as you walked this special land...
This graceful and special poem speaks with a gracious respect of the power and beauty of a faith that transcends hardship. The closing line holds an invaluable message. A truly magnificent poem. :)
This is my favourite recitation Erik.A master's recitation for sure.I don't think I will ever be able to master this art.So much enjoyed.Long live Vocaroo!