How is my beloved Madras as you see her now?

How is my beloved Madras as you see her now?

Do the ships still wait at the port reluctant to set sail?

Do the planes still hover around waiting for the breeze from the Bay?

Is the Marina farther away from the Sea?

As far from the Harbour as the Lighthouse can be?

Does the Clock tower of Central still grace her like a Crown?

Is Egmore still jealous of her a little further down?

Is Summer her only season and Humid her only weather?

Do the bells at Luz, Mylapore and Santhome still ring together?

Does the scent of Jasmine and Coffee still linger in the air?

Do they still light up the Ferris Wheel at the Island ground fair?

Are Rippon building and Napier’s bridge as White as they always were?

Do Presidency, Loyolla, Christain and Pachaiyyapa still fight fair and square?

Does 21G still run from Broadway to Tambaram?

Is it still fun to watch the planes land with their lights at Tirusulam?

Do the Vaigai and the Pallavan still chase each other all the way?

When the angry Pandian wants to leave do Rockfort or the Boat Mail have a say?

Are the theatres full of noise, excitement and happiness?

Does the Connemara library still complain of loneliness?

When you see my Madras do tell her, my heart longed for her then and pines for her how!

How is my beloved Madras as you see her now?

-Aditya