The valley sunned itself all day, its span
Curving up two foothills; then the shadows
Crossed like wings across its back; further,

Ferries embroidered a slim lake, stitching 
Silk into its cotton, prows snipping.....
How still it was then! the sky thin and hollow,

Deflecting the words stoned across the valley,
The ears straining at each rebound; far off,
A cloud, launched from a rock, streaked 
North like a startled bird.

− Adil Jussawala

Adil Jussawalla was born in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1940. After completing his schooling, he went to University College. Oxford, England, and then worked as a teacher. He returned to India in 1970. Since then, as well  as writing poems, he has worked as a teacher, a university lecturer, a journalist, and a translator.

1. deflecting: causing something to change direction; turning aside from a straight course
2. embroidered: decorated with patterns sewn on with thread
3. ferries: boats for taking passengers across water, especially as a regular service
4. prows: the prow is the front part of a  boat
5. rebound: bounce back through the air after hitting something hard
6. snipping: cutting with short, quick strokes
7. span: full extent; the distance between two points
8. startled: surprised and slightly frightened 
9. straining: making a great effort
10. sunned: lay in the sun