Mounika

On a cool wintry night

I found a marigold blossoming under moon light.

It whispered in my ear

Please come close to me dear.

I saw droplets of snow on its face

And they were enhancing its grace.

Its smile was so sweet and bright

That I could never forget its sight.

When it shook its head in delight

It send thousand musical notes into my heart.

She was no ordinary marigold or so

She was a pretty princess who loved me ages ago.

I used to enjoy her playing on piano

Now if I ask she says, “No, no”.

Heard melodies are sweet

But the unheard too touch your heart.

That’s why I still hear her Raga*

And its name is Mounika (Silence)!

                                                                                         - V.V.Rao
*A raga (literally "colour, hue" but also "beauty, melody") is one of the melodic modes used in Indian classical music.