THANK IF YOU MUST ! 

If thank you must , thank the wild kamini and kadamba 
that tickled the secret pits of young hearts
to secretions of ambrosia 
for slow sips in moony nights
to the forgetfulness of day ;
if thank you must , thank the earth 
that sprouted those tall trees 
on both sides of the marine drive 
for winged fairies’ happy stay ;
thank the wind that formed
arches of branches
for our spirits to soar
just beneath the bower
without hurting the rodents and reptiles
crossing our path along the crazy way ;
if thank you must , thank the bay
that brought back the waves
to our somewhat aging bodies
for desires’ rabid rapturous sway ;
if thank you must , thank the honeyed drinks
from green coconuts that cooled our torrid day ;
and transmuted the tips of breasts
to taut grapes oozing
under a half moon in May ;
if thank you must , thank the sands
that still stick to our secret being
echoing the waves and bells of pure, placid joy.

Copyrighted : saroj kumar padhi,
05/06/14

dedicated to : 'world environment day'