Monsoon

Monsoon is hanging laundry out to dry in the rain 

in the hope that the sun will come out soon

Monsoon is cucumbers and roasted corn and gorging on the sweet red figs ripening amongst shaded roots on terrace walls

Monsoon is the persistent serenading of mosquitoes and leaches grown fat on the blood of unwary travelers

Monsoon is roads turned to rivers and mud pits and ruts deep enough to drown tail lights

Monsoon is fields vibrant with young rice nourished by the sweat of women

Monsoon is heat and mold and endless labour

Monsoon is the lifeblood of Nepal