When I think of Kashmir

the lakes come back to me.

Warm water and Mogul gardens,

set out with symmetry.

Lotus blossoms in pink and white,

Kingfishers in feathered show.

Dragonflies that dart in flight,

mountain tops dusted in snow.

 

Tiny island, Char Chunar,

in the center of Dhal Lake.

Memories of small adventures,

with summer days a picture make.

Yellow roses on a wall,

water flowing past the fountains.

Terraces of vibrant colour,

back drop of purple mountains.

 

Mountains that, I knew so well.

Glacier of the Kolahoi,

Mahadaio, Haramook.

Poignant memories, for a boy.

Myna birds with yellow beaks,

Hoopoes, seeking for a grub,

Crested Bulbuls singing sweet,

Hawks that circle high above.

 

Thoughts that flood an aging mind,

bitter sweet of years ago.

Beauty of a jewel like vale,

lakes and mountains that I love.

 

 

David Garlick, Victoria, 1986