Flashbulbs

It was a night
that could make a soccer ball frolic
with Samba rhythm.

It was an occasion
for the garlands, conch-shells,
trumpets and drums to greet him;
to call him by his nickname, 'Pele'!

When he smiled at Kolkata,
it became a night of flashbulbs.

[ Written in memory of Pele's visit to Kolkata on 22nd September, 1977. From then on, Kolkata became a fan of Brazilian soccer.]