Kashmir

Kabeer Ganjoo

Wooden houseboats sturdily float;

Intricate carvings my eyes note;

Glorious lotuses bloom in pink and white;

On the Dal Lake, as it glistens in the light.

Snow-capped mountains dominate the sky;

Bright red cable cars seem to flu;

Colossal pine trees replenish the hope;

Of skiers and sledders while they race down the slope.

Chrome yellow dots sprinkled all around;

Radiant as the sun, the mustard does surround;

The relentless wind whips my face;

As the breeze picks up its pace.

A raging river gushes through jagged rocks;

Lime green hills watch over it like hawks;

Horses graze in sprawling fields;

Their lustrous fur shining after meals.

Multicoloured tulips, row upon row;

Surrounding fountains as they splash and flow;

The Gates to Heaven on Earth are open!