Sonnet in India 20-01-09

We’re told it’s twenty below back home.
Kerala’s exotic hot. Strong sunrays
spangle and star this designated day
of peaceful change. We are one. Not alone.

CNN IN shows Barack and Michelle
beam at Lincoln’s feet. Together they stand.
While in Buddha, Ghandi, Teresa land,
we hear calls to prayer, chants, drums, gongs, bells.

In Mumbai, we walked by processions, fairs,
museums. The Taj. Sheds and tents, broken.
Malayalam—a palindrome—spoken
here. And English. Folks with dark skin, black hair.

What to think as the bus rumbles along,
past forests and orchards, tea plantations,
towards our country’s inauguration
at Joys Palace where we should all belong.

May the sweetness and flavor of this light
yield fruit as spices scent this hopeful night.