Memories
The smell of tender cashew, green and juicy,
pulls me to her, my Ammumma, granny,
she will be taking out tender cashews for the curry;
now one will go to her curry cuttings, and one in my mouth.
It’s tender, slightly punchy with its aroma, and juicy
just like the memories of an era gone by.
Wandering around the red Amaranths, lingering near the cow shed
and wondering about the hens’ swiftness and stunned stillness,
burying coins in the wet sand where the dish-wares were washed
hoping it will sprout as a magical coin tree,
then running back to a house full of loving people,
the stories that were waiting to be told at lunch and dinner times,
of course, with a stick to discipline a child who won’t have food otherwise.
The vividness of Grandpa’s adventure stories mingled with the aroma of milk, cashew and jack-fruit---
memories are savories for the soul.
Hold onto memories, the sweet and sour mixture for the very roots to nourish all that is coming.
written for :-
https://newwhatsgoingon.blogspot.com/2024/11/memory.html
"It’s tender, slightly punchy with its aroma, and juicy
ReplyDeletejust like the memories of an era gone by."
I love this comparison of a child's era and the cashew! What a lovely poem! Thanks for posting it on FB.
Thank you so much. Always welcome.
DeleteMemories of childhood and granny are so poignant. She is the platform that grew our roots and gave us wings. Beautiful, Sreeja.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much...yes, she is the platform...
DeleteLovely memories of childhood. I enjoyed reading of your special time!
ReplyDeleteThe comment above was mine. Lovely memories of childhood. I enjoyed reading of your special time!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
DeleteSuch precious memories!
ReplyDeleteYea... thank you!
DeleteLet's all make each and every moment of our life a beautiful memories that we can cherish forever
ReplyDeleteThank you Vini!
DeleteThat last line is so profound, Sreeja, and wraps the metaphor of cashews and growing things more tightly into the warmth of remembering.
ReplyDeleteYes... thank you so much!
DeleteI love the moments when memories like this are created with such joy. Reliving it caters happiness too and the blessing once received is deeply felt. A beautiful poem, Sreeja.
ReplyDeleteYea, truly... thank you so much.
DeleteLove the idea of the magical coin tree.
ReplyDelete"Hold onto memories, the sweet and sour mixture for the very roots to nourish all that is coming." Indeed, we are where we are now because of those happy childhood memories that shaped us. And the memories of past will lead and guide us to where we are destined to go. Lovely poem, Sreeja.
ReplyDeleteIndeed...thank you!
Delete