TEESTA RANGEET
-J S Simick, 26 May 2013
Teesta and Rangeet
were two strangers, brought into a hug with each other.The hug never ended.
Was it in serene playfulness
the ancient mountains planned
a wedding between these two darling rivers ?
Cruel gravity made Teesta leave his womb in India’s highest lake, Cholamu.
Boosted by streams from Thangu, Yumthang and Donkia-La ranges
he hopped down verdant valleys.
Not even at Rangpo did the river know
a wet maiden would enfold him at the next curve at Beni.
Melting snows of West Sikkim made Rangeet realize
it was time to leave her glacial home.
The nubile Himalayan beauty climbed down,
exploring Jorethang, Pelling, Legship.
How would she know that the next valley would bring
a hunky Teesta in whom she would lose herself.
How did Teesta and Rangeet fall into each other’s arms ?
Tirbeni near Teesta Bazar simply happened to be there,
and became an astounded host
to a sublime consummation.
The sensuous confluence,
of two primordial forces of life,
instills a magical homage
that has brought to life flutes, strings, drums,
ballads and folklore that breathe with the hills.
But the eternal anthem of Teesta Valley was cut short.
Only eight miles down, the couple was waylaid
by a hydro- power dam.
Dishevelled,
Teesta Rungeet still flows,
her torn state revealing intact nobility …
As she emerges from the valley
the regal river is offered a concrete garland
by the arch of Coronation bridge.
And
Teesta Rangeet continues her timeless journey,
spreading cool relief to the scorching plains …
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