Garden

for Durga

Into the night the song goes on
of grass and stars, of leaf-shapes, breeze;
and through the night and day remain
the gods and goddesses of the trees.

Inside the gate in my new home
the mango-tree’s dark loveliness
counts all the past, and all to come
of all that’s round me, more and less.

The purple-seeded tulsi-plant
of tender properties, can fit
my presence into its intent
at evening, when the lamp is lit.

The durba grass shaped on the ground,
the pattern of leaves against the sky,
the jackfruit, lychee, guava send
a word to know this garden by.

O I am married now and hear
a welcome in the very air
of my new home. For many more
are here, befriending with their care.

Into the night the song goes on
of grass and stars, of leaf-shapes, breeze;
and through the night and day remain
the gods and goddesses of the trees.