Categories
thoughts

Back In The Hills


Six of us, the sibling are hurled
into a Blue Plymouth.
We set off to Coonoor,
a hill station, nestling
in the Western Ghats.

It is a six hour journey
packed tight, we could
hear each other breathe,
continue with mom
in full control.

The drive, through the hills
with fourteen sharp
hair pin bends, proves a task
to the driver. He negotiates
the curves with utmost attention.

like a pack of cards we
fall on each other. through
every bens, furious
with the one who has
fallen on the other. we engage
in a noisy fight,

As we climb up the hills
the valley down is picturesque
with huge trees of Mangosteen,
Durian, a stretch of tall palms
with ripe areca nuts parade the borders.

A whiff of air breezes through
loaded with anaroma
. of the fruits and nuts. Sniffing
honking and pausing
we reach the top.

Alighting from the car,
alas! a great release, we run
into the house, to be received
by the old caretaker and his
matronly wife.

Freshening up we play
under the Christmas tree,
run up to the woods, there on
to the tea gardens, accosted
by the evening walkers ,

who greet us with an embrace,
remark we have grown tall,
exclaim with disbelief.
Oh! It is almost a year
since we saw you.

Categories
thoughts

Intangibly Tangible


I turn busy all too soon
before I could realize
I am into so many things.
a bit tiring, mostly rewarding.

The one which eluded
for a decade, dragging me
to court, case, bureaucratic
formalities holds promises.

The other, my very own,
a prospective source
on a newly built Highway,
breathes fresh, a treasure house.

The third one, my pet project
my dream rather, has turned
a reality, I start work, pause,
begin once again, go fast, a bliss.

Finicky I am as I wish
to be personally
involved, delegating
is not in my records.

Once into it, I go
in full flow. A practice
I do right from childhood.
It is my work culture.

Categories
thoughts

Animated


The ones who are born with me
and those who turn in laws
reside in loftiness.. saunter
in excitement,

broadcast and podcast
their splendour. The blood
related quips “I am born with a
golden spoon.”

the other, emotionally charged.
claims ” I have acquired
enough, seven generations
can survive” ( literal translation of)
Ezhu thalaimurai
utkarnthe sappidalam.

My jaws drop hearing their
disclosure, .looks they are inebriated.
Living away from them
devolves a sense of platitude.

Blessed I am to have
such opulent siblings.
Fortunate still to be related
to such prosperous in laws.

Categories
thoughts

Uncle Of Mine


Eccentricities run in my family.
One such I find
in my paternal uncle
who leads a life
overlapped with luxuries.

He is not lavish by any means
His princely life places
him above the rest, at times
turn intimidating too.

He summons his
assistant Amba to bring
the Gods to him
“Swamiye Konda”

Amba runs to him
carrying a big polished
silver casket

Uncle opens the box.
prays to Ganesha, Muruga,
Shiva, Meenakshi, who occupy
the chambers in the box.
Uncle chants the mantras
sings the hymns aloud.

“Amba ” Uncle calls,
” Swamie kondu po”.
The Gods, books
return to their abode.

Awestruck! I notice
uncle in high spirits.
His round prominent
eyes reflect both
untamed audacity
and unknown extremity.

Which one is powerful?
I do not know.

Categories
thoughts

My Weekly Engagements


it is Saturday morning,
sun light streams in,
my appointment
with the Sun commences.

I open wide the
the mosquito nets
attached to the window.
Pillows, beds, spreads
come out, in order, I place them
in the sun, turn them
front and back dust
and mites fly.

Cushions, covers, carpets,
table cloths follow
them .The front garden turns
colourful with myriads
strewn in disorderly patterns.

The back yard holds
the stage for vessels,
spoons, ladles and plates
all cleaned, dazzle
in the sunlight.

Wheat and rice flour,
dry chilly, dhal. pappad,
pickles. vadam climb
down the larder for a
sun bath.

Not to with hold, my sarees
washed and starched profusely
get spread on the lawn without folds
to dry, turn stiff. When ironed
look neat and crisp.

My body manufactures Vitamin D
most efficiently while I am engaged
in these endeavours.

Categories
thoughts

Organic — Haiku


Indigo and henna 
mixed to a smooth paste 
turn grey hair to black.

Shikakai ground with sun baked 
rose petals and lemon peels 
cleanse the hair.

Called as spice of life
 garlic, ginger, pepper, and 
turmeric blend in food

 provide anti inflammatory, 
anti oxidant properties , reduce 
 any negative effects.

Being the way I 
live, organic to the word 
might sound archaic,

Categories
thoughts

Ah! Oh! It Hurts


Fortunate I am
to live in a house
with comforts.

I have nothing
much to worry
food and shelter

being granted,
I am well poised
and carefree.

Occasional physical
hiccups, leg pain, test
my withstanding capacity.

I rue and lament
frequently check
the sore knees

stabbing at times
shooting otherwise,
limiting my mobility.

Why me? I cry
Killing, I scream.
never once I realize

mine is a trivia
compared to those
who suffer irreparably.

So feeling,
I try to forget
the inconvenience.

Lo! having been quiet ‘for a time
I indulge in self sympathy,
with ahs! and ohs!
as if the world is lost,

Categories
thoughts

Bird’s Watch


The cock crows
Cock a doodle doo.
I am up in bed.

In my study, while
revising my writing
hear the Cuckoo’s call.

Coo, coo it caws without
break. Distracted,
I bang the window,

As I walk down the aisle
to collect the news papers
a raven caws in a croaked voice.

Placing the paper on the sideboard,
the love call of the peacock
holds me for awhile.

Opening the backyard.
the sparrows while pecking
chirp incessantly.

The day has begun well.
Birds and I work together.
Our portfolios well in order

Categories
thoughts

Born Black


Close your eyes
it i darkness.
Open them
you see colours
black overtakes
other hues.

There are other ones
blue, yellow, brown
and so many go ‘unnoticed.
It is black that catches
the eye with reference
to race.

The recent, Kamala Harris.
picked by Biden, flashed across
news agencies in the world,
term her as Black, Afro Asian
by birth, mother Indian,
father from Jamaica.

Kamala, an attorney by profession
rose to high ranks, she being
a well read lawyer, The reference
to her colour signals a repulse,
the not too encouraging attitude.
Discrimination is far too rampant
in American society.

Categories
thoughts

Public Undertakings in India


Power sector, In India
the largest government
owned company
with high revenue
and higher number
of employees, operates
without any discipline
committing the
Indian public undertaking
to disgrace.

I happened to go to
the office in my area,
hosted in a shabby building
manned by two women, one
an illiterate, the other
a little more educated,
display ignorance, The only
furniture a table full of stains,
the chair rickety, rooms
ill ventilated, stuffy smell
cause a repulsion.

The Electrical Engineer pays a quick visit,
rushes to supervise field works
does not return to the office.
goes back home, his day is over.
He is a recipient of four digit
salary , perks and concessions add up.
Indian government offices
function with such efficiency,
eating up the people’s
money leaving the public
in the lurch.