Neena Singh

Rewilding

During the pandemic, we are confined to our homes for many days due to lockdown restrictions. The streets are deserted, with little traffic. I go to the terrace to watch squirrels that nest at the top of the evergreen tree in the garden and to converse with the koel, bulbuls and pigeons that visit. Watching the sunrise and sunset colouring the sky and the leisurely movement of clouds to a soundtrack of birdsong becomes a joyful ritual.

One day around sunset, a fawn wanders onto the street from the neighbouring forest. Maybe the silence of the usually noisy city leads him to venture here. I am reminded of the Disney world of Bambi and rush down the staircase to view the scene more closely and also to see that he is protected from stray dogs. By the time I get to the street, the fawn has disappeared. Where could he have vanished? Was it a mirage caused by the deepening dusk?

Disappointed, I come back inside and what do I see? The lovely Bambi and my dog, Rumi, sitting in the garden, gently licking each other like old friends. 

first drops. . .   
animals of the forest
safe in Noah’s Ark 

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About the Author

Neena Singh lives in Chandigarh, India. Her haiku, senryu, tanka, and haibun have appeared in online and print journals. Former banker, she now runs a non-profit for underprivileged children. She enjoys exploring gardens and has authored two books of poetry.