Where I'm from - May 2007

I'm from the heat, the 'loo', the hailstones of Jhansi,

From the long-distance trains chugging by,
I'm from the 'ber' tree swinging......
And watching out for the cobra nearby.

I’m from the hide and seek in the old battle tank,

From the ‘jugnus’ of summer evenings………….

And the smell of water sprinkled on roads that are tarred.

I'm from the 'seven-tiles' of Bangalore

From the Sunday School at church.

I’m from the pyramids on the SFX sports field…..

And the roller skating at the park!

I’m from the SFX music room………..

The whole class singing to Miss Pinto’s piano tune.

I’m from the drives on my dad’s Bajaj scooter

Singing ‘Jamaican Farewell’ the song they so love!

I'm from the seventh floor

Of  Fernsons, the first multi-storied of Cochin.

I’m from the Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi

To the boat rides to the islands in the sea.

I’m from the necessity of being able to speak in Malayalam

Wondering if I truly belong………..

Trying to find an identity in the many family gatherings.

And really ‘knowing’ the big Jacob family!

I'm from the lone house in Narsingarh at Agartala

Knowing that  the smuggler’s are at work at night.

I’m from the barter system at the Bangladesh border

From a house of cakes and pets and many fruit trees!

I’m from the long bus ride to the KV in Kunjaban

Being taught by the Sinhas and the Yadav’s.

I’m from the girl guides- camping, travelling and………. believing in me!

I'm from the blue BSA cycle at Baroda,

Riding alongside the red 6065 RX100!

I’m from the yapping sessions at the MSU canteen……..

And the ‘cutting chais’ on the Fatehganj pavements!

I’m from the glorious times at 6 PG hall

With a Kenyan, a Sudanese and an Indian as roomies!

I’m from the secret visits to the NDA canteen

And the many phone calls and letters which then meant existence!

I'm from a childhood of different places, people and languages

Of different cultures, foods and experiences!

I’m from an adult life of even more varied cultures, foods, experiences

Of different places, people and languages,

But all in all………………….

 I am ME !!