She's Already Here. Poem by Bishnupada Sethi

Gazing at the distant
Clear azure sky
With fluffy cotton ball like
Fleeting cloud patches
High above the Neelachakra
Relatively I feel being in motion.
The Sun has worked out a magic
With subdued display of colours.
The much cooler landward sea breeze
Than the usual summer time
Gives a pleasant feel.

My head is lifted upwards.
It's the Sunset time.
The flag atop the majestic temple is lowered.
Another new set will flaunt the empyrean.
Devotees are getting assurances
That He is there to care.

How many times in the past
I had been here before
In the midst of teeming crowds!
Why's today however
Unusually so special?

I'm conducted well before the Lord.
In all other temples too
The priests strike personal conversation.
I'm led near the altars
Allowed as much time as
I wished to pray
Before all the deities.

Smiling with much affection
I'm given prasad everywhere
By the very busy priests with no expectation.
They bless me near the sanctum sanctorum
Doing special puja for me.

How do I describe
What all I went through?
I was given a grand welcome
Like being at home.

Exactly a year before
Whenever I would visit my mother at home
I recollect how fondly she would welcome
Guarding, hugging and leading me
All the way.

This visit to the Lord's abode
Made me feel
She is already here.