Poem: The Young Princess’ Bath

Many of my recent poems focus on artifacts from a bygone era and the legacy of royalty. We often view these subjects through a modern lens, applying our current standards to them. However, to truly understand these artifacts, we need to consider the context of their time and the moments they represent as we explore the past.

The pond at Thirupanithura Hill Palace, filled with algae and marked by broken steps, initially seemed unappealing. However, as I gazed at the scene, I was captivated by the moment. I had to immerse myself in the past, and from that reflection, this poem emerged.

Poem: The Ilayathambiratti’s ( Young Princess’) Bath

The royal pond of Thirupanithura Hill Palace, Kerala, India

Perfect banks of stones and bricks
A distant canopy of tall trees
The pond’s water holds the night’s chill beneath
Just on the surface, the ripples trap the young morning sun
Warming slowly on the surface, just comfortable
Floating herbs and roses unlock the aroma
Nostrils titillate fleeting glimpses toward the pond
Even the distant guards draw their breath
A melody in the breeze and the little dance of the leaves
Like flaps of curtains that adorn a tall, green canopy

An unusual ritual this –
The periyathumburatti ( the queen) has gone to the temple
Even swans in their silent whiteness wonder
Something unusual today — fresher air and younger maids
The teenage sun impatient in anticipation
A long-legged crane floats in the air, so certain
The fish will swim to the surface — to see her
‘Is the water hot enough?’ — the maids nod
There she is — teenage, long-legged, and in white
Gliding down the stairs, like the rains from heaven
Still, water remains still, and the swans white in envy
She enters the water, her long arms spread
Gold and black fish swim to kiss her palms
Oh, the long-beaked crane swoops down in glee
The teen sun shines brighter in white
Perhaps, in contention for her attention
Is she looking for her white knight

The maids wait in silence holding her towels
For they know what is her mind
Just the little things of the royal kind
She savors the serenity and bliss
Soaking in the warm water’s aromatic kiss
The ilayathambiratti ( princess) is about the bath.

~Ashok Subramanian © 2024

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