Month: November 2017

He looks defiant
with a short moustache.

His close cut hair
lends an army man’s
appearance.

Speaks little. Brief
in replies
just yes or no.

Called Vira,
he lives in a village
unknown.

Vira, the name denotes
bravrey, but at heart
he is a chicken.

He is an intellect,
well versed in history
an authority in archaeology.

His silence is misunderstood,
Engages in his schedule
undeterred.

The villagers tease him
dub him as a recluse.
Vira smiles. aknowing smile,

One fine morning,
his names flash in news.
The government confers
the highest honour.

The village celebrates.
Vira stays the same.
Shows tremendous poise.

I sleep in the afternoons.
A must for me. Else
I go berserk.

The one and a half hour sleep
confined to the hours after lunch
has advanced to pre lunch time,

I doze off somewhere around eleven a.m.
The book, I read lies spread.
My phone buzzes.
The notification bell for messages chimes.
I am asleep.

The maid whizzes around with the broom.
Sweeps with a noise, mops with a louder one.
I sleep.

The rice cooker whistles,
so does the grinder works
with a drawl. I langusih.

I wake up after the time.
Fresh and anew.

The routine, I have set for myself
knowingly or unintentionally
I myself do not know.

It is the sharing in applications
by men and women
provokes me.

Others do read and understand
much better. refrain
from such engagments.

The updates are recurrences.
force us not to open the apps.
It is killing.

Many do this for popularity.
Most of them are naive,
not savvy.

Applications and social sites
have turned a drab.

Bathed and shining
Khaja or elephant stands majestic
An adornment made of red crystals
dazzles on his ivory.
crimson tapestry is slung over.

The mahouth escorts him to the portals .
The priest recites slokas, feeds him
with plantains, coconut and sweets.
The elephant, Mohan, devours them
with delight. Yearns for more.
People take turns and offer him
fruits and sweets.

The greyish black animal glitters,
during the Aarathi ceremony.
People flock around him. Go ecstatic .
Mohan revels in the spotlight.
Indulged, he blesses the devotees.

Mohan represents Lord Ganesha
He  goes  back to his place. The mahout
with loads of gifts, returns pleased.

“Khaja” denotes valour,
“Ko” or the cow signifies wealth,
and “ashwath” or horse prescribes victory.

The three pujas done at a time
brings success and bliss.

The sun has come out
a brief spell, it would be.

The days of rain remain
a torrential one.
It floods and inundates.

Could never trace the sun,
it has withdrawn. Exhibits
a tinge of magnanimity.

A competition seen
among the humans,
passes on to nature.

The spirited rivalry as found
borders not on vengeance
but is fair and just.

The long pause of the rain
has made the soil dry. and left
the land dying.

The continuous pour
has to stop at a time, else
lthe damage would be threatening.

That is the difference, remarkable.
Facile to subdue man’s challenges.
Nature overpowers..

The natural forces are uncontrollable,
furious. A fraction of a second
is adequate to set ablaze.

This day, I remember
the passing of my mother

I recall the pleasant memories
the ones of love and affection
she being so dear.

The unpleasant ones
the acts of resntment and dislike,
come up with a vigour.

It is hard to wipe away the thoughts
as the hurt was unexpected and
unforeseen in any annals.

I went through the ordeal
with a stoicism. I believe,
I have overcome.

Did I really? I ask myself.
Didn’t I? I question in person.
I did, I cry inconosolably.

I look at her picture.
She smiles. At whom?
I do not know.

Ma, your love and care
your neglect and disregard
have made me what I am.

Rains everywhere
floods and disaster permeate.

Terror all the more, the guns
and unheard attempts take a toll.

Fraudulence as found, benami
and safe havens play truant.

Nature and man conjoin
impose a threat.

The world goes on, rotating
and revolving without a stop.

Stones on the walls,
clad on the pillars
white , red and black
raise the stature.

The schoolbuilding tu rns
elegant, stylish and distinct
stands tall, majestic
has shed its weary look.

That is an effort
commendable or not,
I do not know
but one with a difference.

I look at it
my eyebrows lift
I smile at my own
achievement.

Not less anytime.

Sadgun plays the mandolin.
His eyes sparkle on the go.

Only thirteen years of age
he is full of energy.

The mandolin joins him.
Melody evolves.

Like the stream music flows,
gentle and soft.

The notes rush like waves
go up and down.

The rhythm is akin to a river’s gusto
jostles in equanimity.

it is bliss, almost divine
to hear him.

He is in a trance,
so am I.

On a three hour flight
I fly with music all the way.

Sadgun, it is
soul Stirring!

A cultural fete
nine days in a row
speeches, concerts,
vocal and instrumental
dance, poetic carnival,
and a comic interlude
keeps the small town
in action.

The pujas, archana,
the a;ankaram, the floats,
each day in different
palanquins.engage
the residents.

The culmination
the triumph over evil
dramatized with skill
places the folk in a stupor.

The grand finale
includes the celestial wedding
of Deivanai and Valli
performed with grace
holds the audience in bliss.

A much awaited event
celebrated with splendour
and with ununsual poise
conclude in a befitting manner

A juxtaposition of Godliness and rhythm.