Domesticity divine

Domesticity divine so says a Taurean
Call me not antediluvian

For what’s crazier than stay at home with no plan
And more adventurous than books of many genre to scan

What’s more romantic than ironing her silk top
And hands brushing over dishwasher and countertop

More epic than who gets to 100 soccer goals in the yard
Layups and dunks and letting down your guard

What’s more exciting than planning the next move
And promises not to be stuck in a groove

Calling normal (as) exciting I know will cause some furore
And clearly I can sustain this verse no more

So let’s troll priceline and ding for the next vacation
Convinced the journey is better than the destination

To ban or to be

"Banned book week" was an intriguing event at Wilmette library this past week. And [surprise, surprise] the event was a big feature in the kids' section too. Books were wrapped in brown paper and sealed, it felt like you were smuggling out [rather than checking out] copies from the library. This triggered some random memories. 

I had imagined he gallantly saved it from a bonfire at India customs; but a good friend assures me there was no drama when he brought me a copy of "Satanic Verses" from the US many years ago, back when the book was banned in India. Another memory [of an exchange rate compelled "ban", even though the rupee had a bit more stature then] is of joyful discovery and haggling for foreign magazines [business genre, just to be clear!] from street side at Churchgate in Mumbai. The last memory is jarring and not really sure why I'm reminded of it. Its of a procession, through Chembur, led by a donkey - a famous cricketer's picture garlanded with chappals sitting on it - the fervent "hai! hai!"s that come only from the pain of being subjected to another 16 out of 70 balls.

All this to say: a world without censure, and with freedom of expression, is certainly a more aware and interesting world.

And what was Aakash' banned surprise? A light in the attic. Shel Silverstein, we adore you even more.