The rhythmic clatter of the concrete mixer,

shouting  dud-a -dud-a-dud-a-dud-a -dud .--. oh-ho

screaming “new neighbours soon and cement dust till then “,

a car horn ……”is it Nammi?”, I wonder , discipline the infantile mind “focus !”

a door bell , greetings , laughter, someone , wonder who …..

 a rather  vocal dog , “ Rufus …. noisy dog , my Spot is sweet and silent”

a tutor teaching kids , in the gardens , laughs , shouts , claps , nursery rhymes

not yet 12 noon, play school in session , …..huuuuuum, yaaaaaaaaaaawwwwnnn,

a nature class , butterflies ,  enthusiasm , gung-ho !

chirping of a stray bird on the window,sweet chirp , “Ahoy - mind focus …on the.Aum”

“Aaaaaaaaa  --uuuuuummmmmmmmmmmmmm”, sniff sniff, “what’s that burning ? Plastic ? “

sunlight dancing to the tune of the sheer drapes

as they whirl to the tune of the cold wind ,”Mind , focus on that point between the brows..”…..” …..Auuu….uuummmmm” , “ bai , phone dekho , kehna hum puja mein hai! What do I wear for the party ? …..ahem …..Aaaaauuuuummmmmm”

aroma wafting from the neighbours , “Sheila’s baigan roasts, do they need to eat brinjal ever……ahem aah ..uuh …..Aaaauuummmmm”

a stomach ringing lunch break, mind’s efforts at self discipline …..”Focus , foooocus …come back here mind-o-mine , focus.”, mind the unruly dog …..?

eyes struggling , wanting to look around,

me wandering , but never leaving my seat,

“Meditation , pray , I goof not at all !

“ah! this too shall pass.”