Pamba

a poem by Mary Mathew

Pamba
Loosens her locks
In angst.
The snakeboat heaves its way in
Languid lament,
The oars dive in a cold, almost
Icy numbness.

The water undulates,
Echoes in muffled laughter.
Each ripple
Pays obeisance to Mother Sea,
Plunging
Deeper into her womb.

Her head lowers,
Her jasmine laden hair
Touches gently the gushing water in
Leisurely pleasure,
Her hands reach out to cup
Water’s coldness…

The water undulates,
Muffles her laughter.

“Ammmmaaaaaaaa…”

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Pamba ~ A river in Kerala, India
Snakeboat ~ Traditional country boat used for boat-racing in Kerala, India
Amma ~ Mother