The Sumptuous Meal
By Aryasilpa Das Adhikari
A bunch of semi-clad fisherman
Dived into the swelling river
Borrowing the large net,
From the old weaver
They wished for the best catch ever!
Quarter past to the noon
He could see the sun kissing
The golden river sand dune!
He sneaked into the thatched kitchen
Following the thin, faint, white fume
From the earthen pot that glistened!
His aunt was making her quick fast move
Chopping the Brinjal as the lentils cooked
Simmering on the rustic wooden stove
Was the medley of Gourds on the cast-iron pot.
Careful! Yelled his Grandma!
As his pulled out the banana leave wrapped
Mixed-small fish and poppy seed mush,
From the hot ash!
Ohh, the nice charr and the smell that fell apart,
It was that hot charcoal
Which touched a part of his soul!
The Aunt from the neighborhood
Moments of festivities and despair
With whom together, he withstood
came running to lend a helping hand.
Quickly, she fetched the grinding stone
Cumin, Mustard, coriander, and Garlic Clove
All were tamed to a smooth spicy cyclone
As he growled and howled in hunger
His eyes yearned for the fish monger.
the Aunt made a loud hustle-call
and Lo!
The fishermen came with their pricey-catch haul.
Among all the little, big gems that he saw
It was the plump, fit, shiny Hilsa
That caught his Awe!
As the Nigella seeds splattered
he could smell the heavenly Hilsa’s aroma
Making itself stood apart
From the spicy smelling clutter!
Facing the pond,
On the verandah
He sat with the elders
For the Feast Granda!
On the Copper-brass plate
Was served the red-petite rice
Next came the salt-lemon-chilli bite
Followed by the delicacies
Indulged in spice!
He closed his eyes,
Embraced the color on plate
Quickly pounced on it
He could barely wait!
At the end,
As he gobbled the warm Rasagolla
And slurped the sweet kheer!
With his left hand,
Roving over his pot-belly,
The Gods could see,
He was happiest indeed!
By Aryasilpa Das Adhikari
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