Apple Ber Poem by Bishnupada Sethi

At very late evening hours-
When my village was going to sleep
I would get awoken
From a state of half-sleep
Hearing the approaching swift footsteps
And the familiar calling by name;
On the weekly market days.

Now, I recall the images,
Scent of the evening,
Words and events
Of the bygone days.

Unmindful of what
My father had gone through,
I would sit by
As the bundles of groceries are opened.
My anxiety would soar
Till I find a dozen of apple ber
Tied to the end of his gamcha
And my face would gleam with joy.

Those obovate shaped
Glossy and smooth,
Thin but tight skinned,
Some greenish,
Few turning yellow
And buff coloured,
Crispy and juicy,
White fleshed fruits
Assuaged my heightened hunger
Caused due to some expectations
While a soothing feeling
Filled up my mind with a pleasant aroma.

Don't ask me why
I often go crazy
At the sight of
Apple ber, my favourite.