Once Again Oriana Fernandez

A Goan wanderer in a not so strange land

Every artifact seems familiar but oh so different
The tongues we speak are at extremes
Waving of arms and shaking hands
Hello, good bye and welcome to you once again!


The shrill sound of a blaring horn in chaotic traffic
Passengers are carted away in a cycle rickshaw
(swiftly and in style)
A similar sound is heard back west
That belongs to the friendly neighbourhood bread
man
Make way and watch your step once again!



A workshop lies obscured from careless gaze
The idol maker toils and labours shaping the clay
Mother goddesses are decked in gold from head to toe
While elsewhere, jolly rotund tuskers are sought and worshipped for luck
Pray fervently and count your blessings once again!


Daily commuters throng in droves
To find a seat inside a tempo, squashed against each other
It is just like back home
Sardines in a tin can of a bus with anonymous strangers
Move backwards and swing forwards once again!



Women and men are clothed in red garments
Pounding hearts and beating drums all in sync
The smell of salty air and fresh fish is sung along the coast
Baskets full of healthy catch
Sing merrily and dance madly once again!



Twas summer when the wanderer roamed these streets (of heaps of stones)
Sugarcane juice was found around almost every bend
To quench ones thirst along with a snack
In a distant state, hot and piping savouries are served
Eat, drink and be merry once again!