Two strangers in a rickshaw in Varanasi: Two strangers who never felt like strangers. Two people lost and alive in the moment, The same moment With every sense standing, antennae bristling..
Two in a bubble Together, held apart.
Caught up in a parade and surrounded by shy , smiling faces Waving modestly at the fair haired strangers, Laughing At their surprise and joy. Knowing that moment's awe Delighted to share the festival.
Rickety trucks gaudily decorated blare out the tinny music and High pitched voices distorted by the tannoy add an urgency To the motion.
Shimmering saris glisten, So in tune with the music that trembles with joy. That joy spills out from the Scents, the colours, the gleaming grins and the shy waving that marks our welcome, Till every sense tingles With life.
And then the sand storm Swirling and circling the speeding rickshaw Arrived mysteriously, magically, Like dry ice in a theatre.
The air now tangible; Surrounding us like the skin of a bubble Lifting us out Of ourselves as the scene comes and goes.
The sand screen clears to reveal An elephant A beautiful, smiling elephant Dressed in splendour Accompanying us on our magic carpet ride. Close enough for us to touch his hide.
Bejewelled and glorious Smiling too And all is one in that moment And each looks at the other and feels enchanted and wants the parade to go on forever Just like this; With motion And music And colour And smiles And laughter And An elephant.