Month: May 2019

A coy bride
I know,
petite and fragile
innocence writ large.

She turns majestic
I find,
slender and elegant
wise to the full.

What brought the transform?
I wonder,
could be the age
that converts.

Seen many others
who remain shy and timid
no matter how old
they become.

Conclude it could be any other.
That of experience- one of
ire, irk, that churns
and moulds.

She becomes bold
braves dire circumstances
shuns humiliations
embarks strong.

Perhaps a lesson to all
the life of Maria
depicts and teaches
she rises tall.

Having been in a place
where gossip is life
with one talking pleasant
face to face
where the same one
scorns at the back,
I move on start to
understand the ruse
had been a typical fool
believed that’s been told
never tried to read
between the lines.

I fear I would become one
in course of time. Am careful
in my interaction. Talk less
and hear more the maxim
I follow with diligence.
Pose with a sweet smile
nod with an emphasis.
Keep mum when provoked.
A composure I maintain
with efforts. Have turned
invincible! I pat myself!
I feel proud.

Bunch of people
who shun tradition and succession
stray away from honour.

Been with the children recently
a revival of spirit and proximity
with underlying exhaustion.

Having had all of them with me
kept me on toes. Had to take care
of every needs at the same time.

Each one has found his way
in course moved away
an untold void permeates.

I learn to live by myself
connecting when
they are free.

I have mastered the art
of being attached in detachment.
It being their lives now.

Once in years the re is a reunion
fully or partially as the case might be
sufficient to renew and resume.

Find solace pursuing my interests
and activities. A different life!
Being one of enchantment,

Year in and year after
celebrations and festivals
come and go, enthusiasm
does not fade nor does
involvement at any level.

The silver chariot,
still holds attention.
Prayers go on for days,
food prepared in the temple
being consumed with delight.

There is nothing new.
The shrine, one of the oldest,
with a powerful deity noted
for the charm and smile
holds the spectators.

The devotees soak in the divinity
shave their heads, bring
pots and pots of milk
break huge coconuts, light
incense sticks and camphor.

The deity adorned in gold
decked with flowers
rides on the Chariot
amidst the cries
of Arohara!

The Lord returns to his abode
The ceremonies draw to a close.
It is adieu. Next year
would see an even more
gaiety and glamour.

That of Shiva,
his dance
cosmic as seen
captivates.

Places one foot on the ground
the other balances in the air
turns and twists
an impressive movement.

He revolves
the earth rotates
can hear a thunder.
Delirious it appears.

The snake around the neck
dances to the tune.
The Ganges from his head
pours in cadence.

The moon shines from his matted hair
a silvery reflection dangles
on the Ganges as it flows,
ebullient and divine.

The vigorous dance
rocks. Denotes creation,
preservation, destruction,
illusion and emancipation.

The man and his wife of 50 years
continue the journey. 
Nothing much has happened 
being a quiet couple 
each one to each one
with the children in the course
condescend, revolt, smile and cry 
struggle and resolve, suffer and reconcile
as conspiracy stares at them.
They ran in the younger days
then slowed down for a time
while they stagger and stumble 
as they move to reach the end.
Only a few miles away.

They turn and look back 
the road they have traversed,
rough terrain that disburses 
incorrigible heat burns like a red flame.
Wonder, how did they travel without 
a hurt! Well, that be the secret of their life.
Share nothing with anyone. Bear the brunt 
with equanimity. Stoic through adversaries.
Court, cases, loans,repayments, betrayals, 
humiliations make them strong.
Their enjoyment then and now 
is the commitment they have’
an earnestness they display.
These keep them afloat

The church bells ring.
The congregation begins.
Sneha and Lina walk together
in smocked frocks.

It is Easter – the resurrection of Jesus
St Anthony”s shrine sees large crowd.
Men of different faith attend 
the sermon in harmony.

Jessica and Lina exchange 
pleasantries. Happily they walk 
towards the altar to receive the
Easter baskets.

A deafening noise 
breaks the composure.
Smoke encircles
Deadly silence.

The fumes dissipate. Stand 
witness to a ghastly carnage.
Bodies lay scattered. Badly mutilated
Sneha lies dead.