From the street below
comes drifting
into my
scented room ...

to grow
& grow ...
the sound
of many voices
harmonious
in song,

unable at first
to comprehend ...
but then realizing
"Om Namah Shivaya"
is being repeated
over & over ...

a hymn of praise
from the mouths
& hearts
of women
& girls
to the Great
Lord Shiva,

& it will continue
all evening long.