Sum
(The "Sum" is the first beat of a time cycle or tal. The most emphasized beat… The essence of improvisational understanding in Indian classical music)
alap…
streaming surs,
dhuns
in teental rhythms
spin, dizzying
maze of
tal,
linear diagonal multi-dimensional
sheets of sound,
leading back to the thread…the home… the sum,
and begin again…
dha dha tee na dha tee…
bols, just six beats,
profound
placid
passionate,
cool summer Ganga,
wave,
Sangam sapphire sky,
aahroh to aavroh,
evening raga
sunflower sutra,
a thread….a home…and the sum.
and begin again…
hummingbird hurry-up fingers
flutter,
tonal feathers fly
rubygold colors
dāhna and dagga
brush and canvas
scattering gorgeous light…
and the gharānā
smile
understand
the thread…
the home…
the sum…
(perhaps one day we shall too!)
Delray Beach, FL
Summer, 2008