Nougat Dreams,
Wrapped in petals of jasmine,
Dip in night’s magic bowl –
Coated in their own slumber.

 

The ink-black sky
Stands out softly in the dark,
Drawing a blanket on myriads
Of jewel-shaped stars –
As they twinkle above in solitary splendour.

 

All night, just for a lark,
Fairy-like images laugh and dance…
Near the wishing well, and the old barn –
To sleep, briefly on the pillowed dawn,
In beds of cowslips, rosettes,
And ice-cream creepers.

 

Reminding them that the celebrations
Are on; the breeze
With its enchanting wand,
Taps every flower and plant:
To invite them for a drink of dewdrops,
Dipped in pollen and fruity nectar.

 

Hearing this while passing by,
The good trolls bequeaths
A permanent smile upon all living things
That he sights; as he tiptoes around...
keeping a tender eye.

 

Nougat dreams,
Wrapped in petals of jasmine,
Dip in night’s magic bowl –
Coated in their own slumber.

 

Alibaug
1996

Geeta Chhabra

 

From the book: No Journey Ends by Geeta Chhabra