Misty Mornings

as the moon sank

below the edges of the sky,

the stars faded, one by one,

the skies paved the way 

for another dawn,

the mist wiped up, clean

the central court,

the air bore a slight nip,

the dampness

reminding of the smoke,

and the smell of earth,

from memories, 

misty mornings, misty thoughts,

and sipping of the piping hot tea 

from clay cups.

as i jogged my memory,

i couldn't tell if the moistness

was of the misty morning,

or, of my eyes!

the gentle rays heralded

the change of guard 

the swift ascent of the sun

from behind the towers,

shaking up the lazy dwelling,

and ringing in warmth 

tearing through the mist,

as the gossips grew louder,

as the early risers poured in,

elders chanting bhajans,

another few walked, and talked,

few savoring vividh bharati songs,

a smile lit up their eyes,

as lit up hope in every heart,

with one more day,

as the sun rose, once again

over a misty morning,

to reclaim the sky!

© sashikant mohanty