The little girl

 As a break from the routine, I had partcipated in a cultural program held on the occasion of International Nurses Day.

One of my juniors, made a small video while we were getting ready for the function. I had posted that video ,to which someone had remarked "do you have daughter who looks like you".
Of course, that statement was made in jest but there was an element of truth in it !☺️

She loves to watch the stars,

As they twinkle on dark nights,

And hear the waves crash,

As the silver orb shines bright. 

She loves to chase the butterfly,

Which flits from flower to flower,

And feel their gossamer wings,

In the early morning hour. 

She loves to taste the raindrops,

Cascading off her hair,

And float regal paperboats,

In waterlogged thoroughfare. 

She loves to borrow from the canary,

And spread some sunshine,

The crimson and the claret,

She steals from summer wine. 

She loves the caress of grass,

While bouncing in her bare feet,

And watch the rainbow dance,

On dewdrops, in their leafy seat. 

She loves the strain of music,

Floating in the air,

Of some longlost song,

With friends she would share. 

She loves her orange tongue,

Which she sticks out at the mirror,

The taste of ice popsicle,

Fresh and tingling, it lingers. 

She loves to pirouette and twirl,

The beats never tire ,

The wind blows her tresses,

Keeping adrift all desires. 

She remains frozen in time,

Pristine and free,

Chaos and churning, keep distance!

The little girl lives in me !!

Amaltas

This time of the year when the mercury is soaring and the earth bakes brown, you come across a very pleasant sight in most Indian cities - the flowering amaltas trees. Despite the blazing sun, the bright yellow flowers come as a respite, reflecting the indomitable spirit of Mother Nature. I clicked the pictures below on my way to work.

At the cost of ire of purists, I have chosen to use the name amaltas over laburnum. Few names have a very lyrical and poetic ring to it, like  gulmohar, maulashree, kachnaar...and amaltas! I thought it was a shame not to use it in the Indian scenario.

Amaltas

The gown is glittering gold,

Spangled with shiny yellow pearls,

Held in strings and streamers,

Ribbons and festoons.

Showers of topaz and citrine,

Cascading to the scalloped hemline.

Gilded eardrops drooping heavy,

Turning crystal chandeliers crimson.

Bits of sunshine woven in the veil,

As dripping silken rows,

Darting light as winds whistle.

Radiant amber beads ,

Swaying and sashaying.

Woodsy fragrance gently wafting.

Delicate bells almost tinkling,

As she tiptoes onto the stage,

Blinding spectators with brilliance,

To hear the proclamation,

"Winner of  Nature's Beauty Pageant,

Amaltas !!"

The Albatross

 After much deliberation, cajoling and coaxing by friends,I decided to accord some respect to my writing. Decided to clothe my random thoughts, scribbled on a piece of paper or jotted on a writing pad(yes, I still have access to paper and pad!!☺️)in a more formal ,visible and durable attire.

So, I debut with a poem written recently, which appeared on the horizon of my thoughts out of nowhere, like a dazzling albatross!

Gliding above the sea
Rising and sinking
Swooping and soaring
Dreaming of faraway lands across,
I am the lonely albatross.

Long white wings float
Shimmering in blue skies
Circling  masts and sails
Of ships riding the froth,
I am the lonely albatross.


I know not that I bring good cheer
To the humble sailor dear
I fear no Ancient Mariner
With heavy bow and cross,
I am the lonely albatross.

Would love to lose to the azure
And feel the icy calm
But homeward bound by solemn vow
Inky eyes hide the loss,
I am the lonely albatross.