POETRY
The Wonder of the Taj Mahal
a free verse poetry response to Trisha Traughber’s prompt “footfall”
On the turn of a corner Just through dim-lit trees A sharp intake of breath at First sight, Sunset light glowing On the dome of the Taj Mahal, Awestricken, my heart skipped a beat. This is what legends are made of.
A quick look as entry gates were closing, The next day would be astounding.
Early to rise to beat the crowds The sight possibly the most astonishing sight Seen in early sunlight I had ever feasted my eyes on.
Walking alongside the reflecting pool, The Taj Mahal in a new kind of shimmering light Surrounded by trees within beautiful gardens.
“The tank of abundance” leads you up to the Beautiful, impressive Marble mausoleum Commissioned by Mogul Emperor Sha Jahan. A monument of undying love In honour of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal Who died giving birth to their 14th child.
We take off our footwear to walk barefoot Upon symmetrical patterns under Our curious feet. Everywhere you look a detail not to be missed Around this site of intricate wonder, the finest of Persian Moghul and Islamic design Covering every square inch, Passages from the Qu’ran gracing this architectural wonder.
Looming minarets make you feel dizzy As you stand at their base and trace them skywards Leading you to the most spectacular feature, The impressive ever-changing coloured marble dome, Under the influence of the Suns day reflections.
Emphasised by four smaller chattris domes Placed at its corners, A lotus to grace its top with fine Persian and Hindu design, Finishing up with Islamic moon motif, crescent tips Pointing heavenwards adding to its remarkable size.
On the western side of the Taj Mahal a beautiful mosque, The eastern side a building to mirror, Again both with intricate geometric design Leaving you feeling well balanced As you walk around and explore.
Inside the mausoleum, you find more Passages from the Qur’an, Marble carved flowers, marble lattice, Lapidary designs with precious and Semi-precious polished stones Carved with a specialised technique. The false interior roof impressively decorated With Sun marble design.
You walk around the false Sarcophagi (Their real ones below undecorated As stated in Islamic law.) Viewing through marble lattice walls, Mumtaz Mahal’s decorated with calligraphic praise Sha Jahan beside her, your vision filled with wonder As you ponder on their stories.
Mutaz to die giving birth, Shah Jahan imprisoned, under house arrest by his power-hungry son Aurangzeb in the red fort, Cared for by first daughter Jahanara Reading passages from the Qu’ran Where he died in her loving care.
Any ceremonial ideas to respect her father, Considered one of the greatest Mogal Emporers, An able military commander and architectural achiever Were thwarted by sixth son Arangzeb as ostentatious. A sad ending for one With the grand legacy held by Sha Jahan.
So there they lie The Emperor and The Empress. Leader of the fifth Mughal empire, Legends in their own right. Agra city on the Yamuna river Uttar Pradesh India.
Thank you Trisha Traughber for this prompt “Footfall.” This is my memory response as I am lucky enough to get out and walk the beach already written about here in Vagabond Voices…Thank you Trisha for giving my words a platform here at Vagabond Voices… Thank you all for reading. J.