SPARROW DAY AGAIN

WHERE HAVE THE BIRDS GONE?
By Hema Ravi

(Teacher, St Mark's School, Chennai)

"Chittukuruvi muttham kodhuthu" (meaning: The sparrow kissed me) brings back fond memories of our younger
days. Our summers were always spent watching these birds build their nests
in the niches of our homes, in the attic, and any other tiny corner that was
away from human eyes. Today, these birds seem to be declining slowly. The
other day, I took a walk in the Theosophical Society, and once again, I
enjoyed the chirping and familiar sound of these birds. (Long, long
afterwards, American poet H.W. Longfellow's poem comes to mind)
Watching and hearing the sparrows was a feast to the
eye and the ear indeed! I would like to share this verse with Young World readers.

Seed eating passerine bird,
Small, pink legged, conical bill
Grey brown, black throated males,
Grey brown with eye bordered females,
Black and tawny streaks on back,
Black winged feathers with white patches
Grayish white breasted birds.

Busying themselves in spring with
Straw, paper, twigs and grass
Nesting on low branches, in our homes, in sheds.
Children watched with interest nests in their homes,
Small birds perched on ledges or lofts.
Today, these have become a rarity,
Where have these sparrows gone?

LEAFLESS TREE

In the course of the morning walk
this tree each day
I do pass,
in its naked existence
flanking foliage
it exudes charm.

What tales it has to share
how many life-forms been comforted
in its cool bosom
promises and kisses
exchanged under its shade—
desire to discern

Against relentless rain, glittery nights
sizzling summers and murmuring winds
inflection of clouds day after day
it stands unperturbed, unfettered.

Not a rhymester I am, to lay expression in print
neither an artist nor a lens man
to bring out the sensitivity,
The charismatic tree rouses the prosaic me
Its stillness radiates calm
I continue to gaze….

Looking intently at tree stripped of leaves and fruit
waiting patiently for summer
a monk recognised
the trustworthy autonomy
of divine intervention
love for God, never after ‘ceased to burn’.
Will this leafless tree be the catalyst?


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CALL OF THE SEA (PANTOUM)

The waves are dancing with joy,
Urging fisher folk to come along.
Hidden treasures are there to enjoy,
Mother Nature’s lap is where they belong.

Urging fisher folk to come along,
To cast their nets into the depths,
Mother Nature’s lap is where they belong,
As they wait for a catch with bated breaths.

Casting their nets into the depths,
Swiftly rowing their boats along.
As they wait for a catch with bated breaths,
Their voices gently break into song.

Swiftly rowing their boats along
Hidden treasures are there to enjoy,
Their voices gently break into song,
The waves are dancing with joy.

TURBULENCE

Waves lashing at the shore
In a never ending race
Overlapping, overtaking
Heading for victory over the other
Thunder clouds roaring
Menacingly to rupture out
And lash at the earth
With all fury and ferocity;
Forest fire raging
Destroying flora and fauna
With all strength and vehemence;
The river in spate
Devastating all and sundry in its path
The turbulent mind operating
Brewing storm in a teacup,
Conniving new strategies and tactics
The tumult and turmoil
Will it come to rest?

SUNSHINE

The peal of church bells
With rhythm and song
While waves lash at shore,
The flowering of a bud
And the chirping of birds
The cow mooing in yonder farm,
The morning dew
Bidding adieu the mist
Heralding yet another day,
A mother's love
Akin to a doe with its fawn,
The cherubic toddler enjoying
The mirth of children at play,
Tinkling laughter of maidens gawking
At officers marching by,
Family at the dinner table
In tittle-tattle and Tête-à-tête
Reverberating with joy, radiance and dazzle
That's what Sunshine is all about.

MOTHER'S FOOTSTEPS

Time meant to express my gratitude,
You have braved all storms with fortitude!
From you, I have learnt forbearance,
Imbibed the spirit of tolerance.
Good qualities in me you helped cultivate,
With a carrot and stick, never allowed to vegetate.

"Life is a roller coaster ride,
One has got to take things in their stride."
How do I repay you, if I may ask?
For caring and providing, never taking to task.
Adorable daughter,dutiful wife,loving mother you have been,
Whether I can emulate you, it remains to be seen.

GOAL AHEAD (Kyrielle Sonnet)

Ambling along the sunlit road,
Decisions made begin to goad.
As the seasons change, change your mind,
Life's treasures are for you to find.

Angst better be left on the way,
Take in the freshness of the day.
With open mind, let nothing bind,
Life's treasures are for you to find.

The goal is just around the bend,
Crossing barriers as you wend,
Divine bliss, when you meet your kind,
Life's treasures are for you to find.

Ambling along the sunlit road,
Life’s treasures are for you to find.