Now November and you were still delayed
Meant I travelled alone on leave, or not at all,
It was now "out of season".
The road north from Rawalpindi,
walnut tree lined
Wound and climbed to Kashmir
Through saw-toothed, pine-clad hills.
Crossing the headwaters of the Jammu`s
Foaming torrent
A palanquin borne, bejewelled and veiled bride passed,
Her head demurely bowed
Accompanied by whirling dancers, pipes, flutes and
Cymballed, beribboned tambourines.
At Srinigar glistening white peaks
Stood out against a backdrop of black storm clouds.
Moon faced Tibetans shopped in the bazaar
Their long plaited hair leaving
Grease patches on leather jerkins.
I paddled shikari style
Through Venice-like waterways,
Alone; not reclining together in
Gondola fashion, as we would have done.
Dal lake, cold, ruffled by chill November winds
Reflected my grey and sombre mood.
Romantic Shalimar Gardens,now rose-less,
Where no pale hands dipped to send concentric ripples,
Looked desolate, sad.
Occasional leaves fell, like autumn tears
On silent fountains.
Heavy snow fell, closing the pass out.
Now we were doubly separated.
Lieutenant Harry Cameron
21st. Lancers
Lucknow, India 1856
Author notes
Well it was me actually, not the mythical Harry Cameron. On leave in 1946, waiting for my wife to join me from England. She never came as by 1947 we the British left India altogether. How different that leave would have been had she been there to share it.
Use this poem by all means if you find a use for it.
In a list
A contest entry
- Alone.....Prewrites allowed by LoveNeverDies.
370 points, ended May 17, 2007, 93 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 7 of 7
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thanks for entering
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this was really strong and really......good..I think you did such a good joub portraying your feelings in this...it's really bright though lolz
keep writting...
xXTashaXx -
awww this was such a sad write and im sorry that this has happened to you..this was a powerful write and your words were powerful and strong as well..keep writting and good luck in the contest
~Chrissy~ -
wow, a nice piece to run into here -- very vivid with all the romance the missed reunion promised taking on the heaviness of the seasons as time progressed.
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Wow I like the way you write your poetry it is very sophisticated and intellectual. Also this was brimming with imagery which I believe you have completely fulfilled the contest criteria in a most excellent way. I was totally taken aback by the power of your writing. Yes this poem was sad and emotional, but it was most beautiful and eloquent. I really enjoyed reading it. Poetry like this is made to be cherished. Wonderful.
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Your poetry always impresses me! Very classic!
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Touching little poem and nicely written too. I never knew Shalimar (my favourite perfume) had an Indian name but I should have guessed I suppose. You have a typo 13 lines from the bottom: "I paddles".
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