Shambhala

Salubrious summer night!
The Crown of India -
bejewelled with majestic
mountain summits
And snowy caps
Blessed is he
Who sees such a sight!

Shadows take cover
Among the trees,
lily-laden lakes riffle
at the benevolent breeze,
Flocks of water fowl
Take flight.

Night sounds emerge
As do lovers for a stroll.
Woman gazes longingly,
Her eyes lined with kohl
Man in saffron robe
Takes her hand in his.

The warm air is redolent
Of patchouli
A scent reminiscent
Of Grandmother Pavarti's
paisley pashmina -
And Kashmir Kings of old.

Here I am
Amidst this land,
A land of deep beauty
And wonder
Those who seek
To Conquer
And Divide
This Shambhala
Will blunder.

The Golden Age is coming,
the prohecies imply.
Light will banish Darkness -
The Truth does not lie.

Precious
As the crimson saffron stigma,
Enduring
As a burly walnut bowl,
Kashmir (Shambhala)
Is an enigma,
A jewel to behold.