winters are somewhat
special here
misty skies, a lil bite in
the air
things we don't commonly
see or hear
happen around us this time
of the year
dewy grounds, fog all
around
morning Sun is nowhere to
be found
trees become slim, people
plump
afternoons lively, evenings
grump
summer's torture becomes
winter's fun
everyone wants to idle in
the Sun
people rub palms to keep em
warm
mustard blooms all over the
farm
fruit vendors tout,
marketing lessons play
they sell misri-se-meethe & daal-ke-pakey1
winters add flavor to food
& wine
piping hot soup feels
divine
sarson-da-saag2, utte3 butter floaty
is a must have with makke-di-roti4
for those with a
carnivorous appetite
kebabs & tikkas5 bring
them delight
nights are calmer,
everything becomes slower
life hibernates as the
mercury dips lower
who are our real friends? -
winters can tell
they make Chai6, they answer
the door bell
and the sweetest mate, the
best ally
will let you snuggle in
their "pre-heated" Rajai7
winters are somewhat
special here
routine life flirts with a
chilly affair.
--------------------------------------------------------------
1)
vendors sell Guava by touting about its sweetness and claiming
that it is organically grown.
misri-se-meethe = sweeter
than rock sugar; and
daal-ke-pakey = organically
grown (literal meaning is ripened on the tree branch itself)
2)
a thick gravy dish made from mustard leaves and spices.
3)
on top. (a typical Punjabi style of adding butter on top of the
gravy).
4)
bread made from corn flour.
5)
roasted or grilled skewered meals traditionally made with meat.
6)
hot milk tea, generally prepared with holy basil leaves, ginger
& cardamom in winters.
7)
a very thick quilt. (one just has to use it to understand the significance of "pre-heated").
