The temple priest

Quietly he removed faded flowers

Offered on the previous day.

Nude before him the goddess stood.

Who was in front the threshold

Of the sanctum early before dawn?

Silken locks dark, wet after bath,

Warm shine of morning sky on forehead,

Roses on dimpled cheeks, shy smile,

Red, full and sensuous lips, the erotic

Fragrance carried by morning breeze,

Offerings to goddess in a golden tray.

Hands trembled, face turned pink to the ear.

A sun-flower in the first blush

When face raised towards the sun.

Dew- drenched forests of unlocked tresses,

The tinkle of brook-let’s ankle chain,

Sly smile while flowers blooming,

Cuckoo’s coos insides her throat,

Heap of unearthy offerings

In the gold plate held.

The down blushed over the eastern hills.

He stood dazed.

How long, he couldn’t recollect.

She was gone, the sky

Slowly grayed to noonday desert.