A Calling I Couldn't Refuse!

Busy navigating the new place,
I paid little heed to her presence…
Her gushing voice though,
couldn’t escape my soul.
'I hear you, I’ll be right there,' it said!

I settle down… In a perfect corner…
Accompanied by wet noses and wagging tails!
Although out of sight, her gentle roar I couldn’t ignore.
Floyd, Zeppelin, and The Doors,
now my background score...

I might’ve been in the clouds,
or maybe that’s how the heavens felt!
Peace - I sensed it!!!
Was it me longing?
Or Mother Parvati who couldn’t wait?

A walking trail close by, my Google Maps whispered.
It was time to explore…
Sneakers laced and a backpack on my shoulder,
all I needed to keep the moment alive.

I began my walk… while she moved alongside…
From deep down in the valley. Well, that’s where she resides.
Wild berries, birds chirping, and that earthy smell…
gentle breeze, and the grazing mules,
witnesses in my humble quest.
I keep walking, talking, and smiling
at how gentle yet fierce she can get…

And then… the trail disappears.
Mountains being cut… Google Maps losing their charm…
I now knew, I needed to keep my calm.
One wrong step and I’d be in her arms…
Not today, Mother. You must wait!

I keep walking uphill,
with every hope of an exit.
Each step, made my heart skip a beat.

I reach a point: this is absurd… but I’m not giving up.
I’ll stand here for eternity, Mother, if that’s what it takes.

Rigid and firm, my faith unwavered…
I suddenly hear a whistle, a stranger approaching out of nowhere…
'Stay still,' he instructs… I oblige!!!
'I found a safe place, you must climb down!'
My feet, glued to the ground, unwilling to change their stance!

'Hop on my shoulder!' his absolute cries.
'Go gentle, or else we’ll roll down the valley…'
I follow just as he instructs…
Finally stepping back on the trail…
Grateful, confused, and in a trance…
there wasn’t a soul there, I had looked around.

'You’ll find some hurdles along your way,' he said.
'I must ensure you cross this path.'
Like a guardian angel, as if...I was his to protect.

He helped me through the uneven terrain...
and the boulders in the way…

'Our final stage now, we must walk through the river,' he said.
'Get your shoes off… Give me your zhola.'
I wasn’t in a position to question.
'Careful,' he warned. 'You’ll feel her heat and her cool at the same time…'
While carrying my luggage, he firmly held my hand.

My spirits high… anxious, of course…
As I was about to dip my feet, in the divinity that called.
My first step, I felt her cold comfort.
I followed on, and she embraced me with her warmth…
As if she wanted to say:
While you weren’t ready yet,
I longed for you, my child…

Mother Parvati, was it me longing, or you who couldn’t wait!!!