I keep thinking of the monsoon, how it is going to transform this land in two weeks from now. A queer restlessness comes over me... What was it that I hadn't quite completed last monsoon? Yes, the unfinished business of Bali Kunja - the hump-shaped peak on the skyline of the western ghats visible from Manipal, behind which the sun rises on equinox days. Last June, the perpetual wetness and leeches and the handicap of a late start had seen us abandon the trek to this peak midway. Yes, this monsoon, looking forward to the climb....
A climb in the monsoons…
A climb in the incessant rains
In hills and vales far above the plains.
Splashing thru’ innumerable streams
Clouds and fog and misty realms…
Roar of a mighty waterfall
As it plunges down a rocky wall.
Lifting now the cloud reveals
The rocky summit thru’ wispy veils
A soaring cliff of black basalt
Outlined against a dull grey vault
Sailing in a sea of white
And now the clouds hide it from sight…
Trudging among the weeping trees
In pelting rain and whipping breeze
Steeply, the track winds on and on…
Just when our minds of hope are shorn,
There looms ahead the final ridge.
Hundred feet more to the top, we judge.
Gripping the glistening wet basalt,
We launch into the tough assault
With taut muscles and strained sinew,
And for once not bothered of the view,
Climbing steadily in a single row
Till there’s no more left to go….
