A song I composed that is partly inspired by Rahman’s Vellai Pookkal and the song from Mahanadi. If my hometown had a soundtrack, this would be it.

A River Abode

Fat Winston smoked her fine cheroots

Where many a Chola proclaimed their roots

Carved in stone and temples made

Etched copper of their greatness bade

Won many a battle with sword and blade

Timeless tales and lore of old, stories told

Of great kings and even greater deeds

Of rivers surge, and pastures green,

To east and west, their ships did sail,

Trading gems, pearls, and good tidings

Where a spider, an elephant, even ants prayed

To the Yogic God who helped a boy defy Death

Where King Charred Legs, split and dammed the river in spate

Where the Preserver lies in a tranquil state

Cunning Clive laid a siege at her gate

Which still stands, with a defiant grin

Fat Winston smoked her fine cheroots

Where many a Chola proclaimed their roots

Rajhesh