Jeff McCallum

Rakhi celebrates a very special bond.

A commitment, deeper than blood, beyond

Kinship.

Shraavana’s moon will long remember our

Holy obligation to protect, defend her

As a sister.

Brihaspati instructed Sachi, save Indra from the cruel

Asura; Vritra was defeated, devtas's place restored in duel

Noble hearts and causes share this ancient fabric ritual:

Draupadi captured Krishna’s hearts affection,

Humaun sent Queen Karnawati armies for protection

And Gandhi’s mighty struggle honored Rakhi and not dread,

Noting solidarity and kinship with its holy golden thread.

Rakhi bonds and binds,

Allows divides be crossed;

Krishna, Indra, Gandhi, stories never lost.

Hindu, human, brother, sister, cousin, distant friend

In love renew the Rakhi that love will never end.

A Rakhi for Manna Valiathan

I can not picture chocolates

crossing continents

as our friendship has.

More

I imagine

a painting,

delicate

dancing

subtle

vibrant.

You,

me,

the universe in a brush stroke.

Our children golden chariots or

a star in the galaxy for each.

Trials and triumphs surrounded by wonder,

hope,

miracles and gilded, tiny passages

of poetry, sacred works,

words of encouragement subtle woven on the frame

and nestled comfortably within.

Hard words,

truth,

life,

death,

all painted on a flower.

As sweet and sweeter still

than blossoms fragrant in the moon light