Gwalior-ki-Sardi

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.

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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").