Songs of My Heart !

INTRODUCTION TO SONGS OF MY HEART

From a dream to reality !!

I had a dream to pen down my ideas and views in a verse form from my childhood .The driving force behind this book “Songs of my Heart “ is none but my own dream!!I have wielded my pen almost two decades ,yet I haven’t focused on any one particular form of writing. I tried writing articles, journals ,skits and of course stories, but very few verses, though I love poetry.

The inner voice sparkled and triggered my thoughts when I first visited Scotland and then Sydney.On seeing the scenic beauty around, my zeal to express my feelings erupt  like a volcano and result is this book. Nature became my best teacher along with the lessons taught by my Life.

This book is a collection of 101 poems penned down over a period of three years. I have not restricted myself with any form of poetry as I have poured my heart out .Most of my poems expressed my feelings on nature and human emotions purely imaginative and very few reflect my interest in description of physical structures .I tried creating visual and auditory images through my poems.

I am sure that each poem triggers the inner feelings among the readers. I must thank my Son K.Tejaswi for being a motivating factor by editing this book and not to forget my most critical husband’s contribution in giving a genuine feedback on all my poems.

I thank my sister  Sarada Chandrasekaran ,wholeheartedly for her foreword apart from her encouragement after every poem that was read by her. I thank my mother and my elder sister for the moral support in every endeavour of mine.

K. Lakshmi Rao

INTRODUCTION

Sometime ago when the writer as a part of our conversation told me about her writing poetry and would complete ‘hundred’ poems soon. A few more days later, she mentioned that she could complete 101 poems and asked me if I could write an ‘Introduction’ to her poetry. I said ‘yes’ but with caution. I thought of why 101 poems? I contemplated over that ‘number’ for some time. The answer flashed in my mind.

The writer was born and brought up in a very educated and highly cultured family. She was inspired by her father to be a voracious reader and an erudite person. There were frequent occasions of dinner time conversations and discussions on topics of literary, cultural, social, and mythological. She was introduced to classics in Telugu, English and Hindi literatures. She read and learnt by heart the well-known ‘Sathakams’ (Literal translation: a book of hundred poems). The Sathakams are very famous in Telugu language and are parental recommendation to the growing children to read and learn the poems from those books in every household. They are didactic, motivational, inspirational and to put it in one phrase – ‘life education’.

The 101 poems written by the writer are not wholly instructional in nature but the values embedded in them and the inspiration they give the readers is very clear and conspicuous. She penned her poems from her childhood memories and experiences, her encounters with people and nature, her in depth understanding of human nature and of course, her own wide learning. Poetry is basically meant for ‘pleasure’ and undoubtedly her poems are a great pleasure to read. They take the readers into the writer’s world of experiences. The readers feel as though the writer is taking them along with a video camera and providing the visual experiences. They are not imaginations but imaginatively presented feast to the senses.

 Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility (William Wordsworth); this quote aptly fits and sums up the writer’s work of 101 poems. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading them and I shall continue to do so for they offer newer feelings with each reading.

Dr. N Parthasarathy                                                                                              

                                             INDEX

Title of the poem

A BOOK

A BOUNTY HUNTER

A COMBAT

A DOCTOR

A FARM HOUSE

A WEEK

BIRD”S SONG

BLACK IRIS

BRISKY-THE AFGAN HOUND

THE BEASTLY BEAUTY

BLACK BEAUTY

BLANK PAGE

CAGED BIRDS

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

CIRCUS

CRUEL WIND

DEJECTION

DIFFERENCE

DREAM

DREAM WITHIN DREAM

EPITOME OF LOVE

FACT

FANTASY

FEELINGS

FLOWERS

FRIENDSHIP

FULL MOON

MY GRAND MOTHER

HAPPINESS

GIRAFFE

GOODMORNING

GULMOHAR

HEART OF A SOLDIER

HUES OF THE DAY

EMOTIONS- A HUMAN BEING

ISLAND LIFE

IRONY OF LIFE

LOVE STORY

LARK

LIFE

MARRIAGE

MASTER PIECE OF ART

MEMORIES

MOONLIGHT

MOTHS &WASPS

MOTHER

MUDITA

MY LOVE

NIGHT

NOSTALGIA

NIGHTMARE

ODYSSEY

OLD AGE

PET

POISON

PRIDE

PEARL HUNTER

PEN

SILVER GULL

POWER OF LOVE

POWER OF NATURE

PRAYER

FIVE ELEMENTS

REMINISCENCES

RHETORICAL QUESTION UNANSWERED

ROYAL MARCH

RABBIT

RAIBOW

SCHOOL MASTER

SHADOW

MY SISTER

SLEEP

SOUND OF SILENCE

SPICE OF LIFE

STRANGERS

SMILE

SNAKE

SNOWY FLAKES

SOLDIER

SONGS OF THE HEART

SQUIRREL-MY FRIEND

STORM

THE CHIEFTAIN

THE OLD HOUSE

TO BE OR NOT TO BE

TRAIN

TREASURE HUNT

THE TAILOR BIRD

THE LOTUS

THE QUEEN

THE STALLION

THE TREE OF SORROW

TREE

THE WAVE

THE WHARF

VILLAGE GIRL

WATER CRAFT

WIND BENEATH MY WINGS

WIND

PARADISE REGAINED

QUEST

BARRIER

CONFUSION

 A BOOK

I am called a Classic penned by a poet laureate!

I have not moved from my shelf for decades.

I wish I adorn the hands of lovely damsels,

But in vain.

Every time, I hear a foot step:

I eagerly wait to be embraced and at least turn few pages

So that the termites stop biting me.

My agony knew no bounds

As no one to understand my plight and pain

I wish I am read aloud to the tiny brains

So that they tour my realms

To widen their vision.

Alas! No one picked me for several decades.

A long awaited moment drew nearer

To digitalize me… Happy was I atlast!!

But Alas! As I adorned the hand of a Lass

I collapsed into ashes for I was nibbled by the termites

And untouched by humans

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 2

A Bounty Hunter

A Bounty Hunter I ‘m known being swashbuckling.

A day dawns, being informed of my prey and

Knitting the strong intricacies in getting it!

In scorching Sun or horrendous rain,

In a dim day or silvery night:

My errand I need to complete.

Neither I nor my rivals known to each other!

Irony ! But, we encounter at the Burial ground.

I, to pierce my steel dagger &he to liberate from agony.

Know not why a stranger is slaughtering him?!

Few retaliate harder, and few succumb quickly:

But, all taste the bloody mud ultimately.

Today’s Gig is as hard as a diamond: unusual.

My Prey is no coward! His gallant brawny looks

Filled beaten unbeaten fear in me.

Just a blink of an Eye lid -I faltered:

And he was above my six feet robust body,

Like a roaring lion his curved lips raged with contempt.

Yet! After a fierce combat, I pierced my

Rapier deep into his chest, Gushing the blood

Out of his huge body: most Unkind

Whispered he! Hurray! I sighed with victory !!

K.Lakshmi Rao 

POEM – 3

A Combat

Once, the Lie, and the Truth

Indulged in a combat

Termagant lie said, “I am Omni potent and Omnipresent”!

Subdued Truth acclaimed the same softly.

Omni Present Lie, challenged its rival to prove.

Vehemently knocked at every door and found the Truth,

She is hardly visible. Oh! Why am I so scanty?

Whimpered the Truth!!

Ha Ha!! Jibed the Lie. ”I am attired in colour & you are naked”.

Who on Earth want to be naked? Oh! Is it?

Yielding to the naked Truth she vanished meekly!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 4

A Doctor

 It’s a God’s Act! I am here, accidentally on purpose.

As a God I’m beheld by my human folk:

 I make kindest cut to womb, And

To show the inhuman world to human baby!

I’m in service of mankind but for money.

I make unkindest cut to the pockets of

Patients to heal their wounds: Their

Agonised screeches invoke joy in me,

Envisaging the added materialistic stock

Of my house! I play on the emotions

And patience of my Patients: I know

I am sent for a purpose of saving lives

Since, I am sent accidentally I feign

The pain of my patients and collect

My coins for heavying my pockets:  happily.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 5

A FARM HOUSE

I was five when first I stepped into a house,

Beneath the farm and beyond the city.

It’s a splendid feeling to be with pigs,

Dogs, ducks, parrotsand peacock.

I ‘m thrilled seeing all these creatures!

Hand touch distance! Hours past’

Unnoticed! My palate tasted every fruit

And every nut to pacify my hunger pangs!

Those memories are still afresh:

My mother’s fury on seeing my soiled clothes

And muddy hands! My Granny’s affectionate

Chuckling responding to my delight!

It’s was my routine all Sundays and

All through summers .I knew every

Champak that blossomed, I named

Every fluffy tailed squirrel that jumped.

Thus amidst these creatures I grew!

Now I’ve seen Seven Summers and odd:

I live amidst these friends all alone:

Summers, winters and rains!!

Though their presence filled joy yester years!

No longer appears blissful! As I hear only

Humming birds, and squeaking squirrels,

But not see any enraptured and radiant

Off Springs from my family.

The large wooden Swing: swings empty

Clanging and swaying back &forth.

With no baby on it to laugh in glee!

My palatial farm house which my

Father built for me is haunted with

Memoirs of past! The Still waters of

The Lake beyond my garden, turned muddy and thick.

Similar to my Past that’s coagulated in me.

I dream of a day full of kids five to ten

Eld, leaping and bouncing with

Muddy pigs and hefty dogs all over:

Too Euphoric!! I do know !!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 6

A WEEK

Sunday is special to all as all can Sleep or Spend outside sans work!

One yearns to have 48 hours on a Sunday to lazy around!!

Monday morning Blues none can avoid: Even so super sincere!

Young and old drag themselves alike to reach their work place.

 Tuesday turns the turbulence at territory of each tuning one for their Errand!

Tuned towards work one can be tenacious or few tender with their work force!!

Wednesday wins everyone’s heart as we work wholeheartedly once a week!

Though some go wacky and whimsy; Widely people aren’t wild on Wednesday.

Thursday tactfully turns one’s table with our talents, tentatively:

“Cause comes untoward affairs engulfing us unexpectedly!!

Friday fills feeling of freedom we get on free time which is in corner:

Whole day’s spent in financial planning for weekend: Fairly well:

Saturday spreads joy and sorrow alike as a week getting closed and as a start

 of another week ! People stay scantily at home, unless pockets empty.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 7

Bird’s song

A humming bird sang sweetly

Not to impress someone likely.

But to pour her heart’s delight.

A finch has a song melodious

For someone who’s harmonious .

And thus she spells her magic .

Cuckoo serenades in hearts elation !

Not to be applauded & for sensation.

But to drive away it’s trepidation.

Whilst, a human does all chores

Just to impress rest of world:

Not living his life as he pleases.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 8

Black Iris

I’m strange and unique: Amidst rainbow Iris florets;

I am black  Iris! The Blues and purples and yellow

Iris adorn all the homes and spread faith &hope.

Purple iris  decorate the tombs with wisdom.

And I stand gigantic and wild with mesmerising

Lilac hue and a white spot like an Indian bride.

I bring Joy &happiness in spring, can sprout

On hills and rocks alike showing my strength,

Survive all odds ; I also can grow in dales as well as

Desert edges depicting my wear & tear :

I’m an epitome of beauty & grandeur

And I sit on the highest pedestal of wild flowers.

I wake up from my winter slumber and change my attire

Of grandeur in Spring again & again to teach survival skills,

 To all my human folk.I am the queen of wild flowers !!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 9

BRISKY-THE AFGAN HOUND

 I’m game ! The chief Cop confidently

Signed the commission before him:

For He has His Brisky; the Afghan Hound !

Brisky ,is Regal & Majestic with his crowning Glory !!

He’s known for his speed and agility while chasing

His Prey! In contrary ,most sublime in beauty

And most Aristocratic in gait while on no task.

He serves a feast to eye of Onlookers

While on chase ; stretching his huge paw pads

With utmost focus on his Prey, charges like

Jet on the land in a straight line.

He catches his prey for his master

In cold or  heat, day or night with loyalty.

The chief Cop loves Brisky of all the hounds

In his troop ,as he shows endearing streak of silliness too !!

Brsiky is the best at Errand and at fun too !!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 10

The Beastly beauty

She looks fabulous in her graceful gait

And bright and shimmery attire for always.

Her pink curved lips send millions of smiles!!

Her charming brown eyes reveal fathomed expressions!!

Her thin beaked nose twists and twirls in vogue!

Ah! my adoration and admiration grows leaps and bounds,

Every time I meet her. I’m head over heels for her.

I succumbed fullest in form and wealth in cold and rain.

Alas! A day she broke my heart and shattered my dreams.

I felt dejected, and turned insane:

She addressed me “Uncouth,disgusting,morbid and gloomy”?!

As I proposed her with a wedding ring.

She jibed at me for too conventional ideas

Of being with her forever! Too typical, too rustic,

Saying so she walked out ruthlessly !

Is she a beauty or a beast?!She is beastly beauty!

Thought I.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 11

Black Beauty

Like a dazzling star, she walks by the country side,

On a moon lit night.

Her radiant face and glistening large eyes,

Delude onlookers of two full-moons,

One on the Grassy land and yet another at azure above.

The Gold and silver robe, draping her dusky Skin,

perturbed the moon as to shimmer down behind the clouds.

Because, she shone bright in the silhouette too!!

The moon looked at her and sighed:

Yah! not a shade less nor a shade more

Of her skin would make her look as beautiful as this!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 12

The Blank Page

I was as plain as an empty Canvas

Till you painted me pink

Then I was a baby hale &healthy.

I was charming and cute, loved by all.

Know nothing about rage and anger.

I was as plain as a white Canvas

Till you painted me red.

Then I grew little aggressive.

The rage, the frustration embedded with energy

Canopied my life.

But still I was a child.

Though at times I felt unloved, unattended and neglected;

My aggression and war monger attitude eclipsed my life.

I became a half- painted page with Red and Pink.

My rage &frustration are still within me unnoticed.

I was still a child.

One day, you painted me with Green!!

I turned green with greed and jealous:

Thus, I also grew older, noticed –

Now that I fret and fume, yell and howl

For other’s success and my failure.

I am isolated as red and green are too prominent on my Canvas.

Now I am almost painted except a corner of my page of life;

Can I be painted backin pink please?!

I want to be healthy,innocent,cute and charming

As before.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 13

CAGED BIRDS

It’s a market place, I and my counterpart

Are placed in a basket.  Know not where’s going to be our

new nest! My master employed all

His skills in bartering us in return of some currency

Of course! It’s his living: It’s after three hours

A tall darkman picked us in a Cage:

Seeing my master’s joyous face, handsome money we parted

Delightfully from Him to a new master expectantly!

Our new roost is amidst tall and huge buildings.

We’re  placed in an open balcony as tall as our tree branch!

Though we‘re caged, it’s spacious than before.

We relished the nuts and seeds that were never

Tasted before. We enjoyed the jocund company

Of a tender heart and tiny girl in a wheel chair.

This roost soon we’ll leave, thought earlier; But,

My counterpart in small beak with red and Yellow

Feathers, who’s otherwise resist to be trimmed:

Disheartened and Decided to be stilled in our cage

On seeing, our crippled tender friend in this new place!

Hence, we lived together with my special friend.

Ceasing the thought to fly away from the cage!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 14

Childhood Memories

I am six feet tall yet I look like an imp

Amidst the Tall Silver Oaks: Lo ten

Hundreds are sprawled in up to

Horizon! All alone stood in the ocean

Of trees: on my left and right: back and forth:

The scented leaves aroused my

Olfactory sense, filling my heart

And mind with my childhood

Memories: Reminiscing with no

Single effort .Yes, At six years I

Played with the barks of eucalyptus

Behind my house: Me and my friends.

Dry fallen leaves hustled under our feet

As we chased one another in trepidation.

To be chased again and again: Our fun and frolic

Turned sepulchral and gloomy while

We parted at dusk : All those memoirs encompassed

and Reeled around and  haunted me felt secluded.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 15

CIRCUS

Long awaited Summer arrived; bringing

Back all the joy, fun and frolic in our lives.

We threw the crumpled satchel on the attic

Scrupulously; Sighed, relieved and chuckled:

For a month thought we: No scornful looks

No morning blues; No rat race: Just a

Day long amusement, pleasure and relaxation!

A typical Summer recreation’s the Circus

Outside the village: Every summer they come

From Somewhere. Spread a large huge tent;

Bring lions, elephants, tigers, monkeys

As well as pretty birds and girls in shimmering

Clothes: Most exciting is to watch them build

The High canopy as high as the sky: We ‘re

Thrilled at their quickness and diligence in

Setting up the structure: The Circus tent

Is as large as our village: All our houses

Can fit in: while watching structure

In its make, also we hear the roaring of

Lions, growling and snarling o’ tiring

Animals: during training and whipping

By their masters: Most amusing is the

Shortest and the fastest clown, clad in

Yellow and red with a colourful hat

On a puny tri-cycle! Among all

Girls small and big, I like a thin

And fair girl always attired in blue

Shiny clothes: She attracts all I

Suppose with her mesmerising smile

On lips and in eyes : Above thirty

Feet she swings from a corner to another

With air somersault so artfully: Scurrying

Every heart to the throat while her act!

With awe each of us stare her: But I

Feel she stares at me in return: Her

Smile haunts me for rest of the year.

My Eyes searched for her amidst the

Crowd of people and herd of animals.

I know not her name to ask from some:

I barged into every small tent of Circus crew

Craving to meet her and get a smile as

Reciprocation but in vain .All my friends

And family enjoyed the circus this year too

But, I felt aloof and sad as I did not find

My unknown friend: Who can help me

Reaching her: Not sure :But hoping !

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 16

Cruel Wind

The cool wind whirled me around:

Filling fear and pain in my mind:

My wandering mind recalled that

Day: Er.., two decades! On a

Windy day, My chubby, pink cheeky’

Daughter cosily placed in Pram,

Shifting her wide round excited eyes

Discovering the magic world!!Dancing

Leaves underneath created beautiful

Patterns feasting the eyes: Along with

Humming leaves on the branches: I’m

Spellbound by the bewitching scenic beauty:

I’m lost in ecstasy encompassed me!!Discerned

All at once, apple of my eye’s rolling swiftly down

Like a round ball on the glassy road: She’ chased

By the cruel wind as a fawn chased by the Lion,

In few seconds vanished she in the lake waters

Uninterrupted! Ergo! I’m agonised at the cool breeze.

I’m shut indoors & breathed cool breeze a decade

After: In a wheel chair wishing to be chased by the wind

This times me: for a reunion with my daughter!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 17

Dejection

O Love! Don’t perchance enter my life,

Again. I know you’re as short lived as a water bubble.

Now, I shan’t recover your disappearance: Be away!!

I’m adapted to seclusion and isolation.

They say you pervade wide wings all over

Maketh folk loveable and joyful. Yet,

You stayed scanty in my life.

I hardly perceived you at childhood

Or in adulthood .So, I lack

Penchant for you.You’re dispensable

In my life, as I endure wrath, dejection and

Depression more than you. Diffuse away

From me as a cloud gets Crumbled at

The Gust of Wind! Let’s bar each other.

As We’re a different kettle of fish !

You being Love, I dejection. Too

Parallel to cross at each other.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 18

Difference

We’re as different as chalk and cheese:

She is fair and tall, I am dark &short.

She’s deep & profound, I am shallow & weak.

We are human beings :Can’t be alike.

She’s soft and docile, I am  haughty &harsh.

She’s religious & God fearing, I am secular &rational.

She’s studious &hardworking, I ‘m lazy & indolent.

We are human beings: Can’t be alike.

She’s courageous &chivalrous ,I’m coward &uncouth .

She’s compassionate &empathetic ,I’m ruthless & boorish.

She’s systematic &organized ,I’m shabby & clumsy.

We are human beings :Can’t be alike.

We survive in our capacities :In success &failure

 As God maketh both though not alike. Each different .

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 19

Dream

Sweet scents of the Green meadows

Wake me up soothingly.

The Chirping birds and fluttering sounds of wings

Fill my heart in exhilaration.

The jingling bell sounds around Cow neck

Vibrate my mind rhythmically.

As I walk out of bed under the tree of night queen,

Tender and delicate white flowers tickle my body.

Water Sprinkled ground

Spreads the voluptuous aroma all around

This is my dream amidst the Cacophonic world!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 20

Dream within Dream

I hallucinated clean water filled ponds and sweet water lakes gurgling:

The rivers flowing up to brim all seasons sans plastic and waste!

I deluded healthy cattle grazing green grass: Sparrows and pigeons

Nesting cosily on the tall tree branches: waking up the human folk

Earl: Gentle breeze soothing, while strolling in the open fields:

Filled with paddy, to feed all in the village sumptuously: I chanced

Sky in clear blue sans muddy clouds from factory chimneys: I

Fantasize a community working cheek by jowl in delight.

A perfect country life: No Urbanization: No artificiality:

No plastic smile, no malicious, no boorish and no nepotism:

My dream collapsed like a pack of cards: All the paddy

Fields turned artificial fish ponds: A square metre is too

Long for a green mat of grass underneath our feet! The

Thin and hungry cattle quenched their thirst in dirty poodle!

Stuffed their empty stomachs with plastic bags. Garbage filled

Sweet water lake turned arsenic inducing infant diseases

Turning fatal: Factory chimneys puffing poisonous smoke

Beget early death to healthy cattle around! Sparrows winged

Heedless without a single tree to perch: Hostile Human folk

Closed Indoors: named civilization n dwell in sky scrapers:

Know not your folk next door forever : No clear sky but

Brown cumulus clouds signalling pollution in and out :

Gentle breeze turned hot loo! Scorching heat burning

People and things alike! I seem to dream within a dream:

One being a fantasy  one a night mare.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 21

Epitome of Love

The magnificent and massive love tomb stood in front;

Unblemished, impeccable and spotless filling Ecstasy in Onlookers

What a feast to the eyes, to see the resplendent dome-

Above the arched alcoves surrounded by

Slender minarets, calligraphed artistically in Persian.

To quench the aesthetic thirst of humans.

As one surge ahead and explore ….. Will chance on

Strands of Mughal architecture blended with Persian and Indian!?

The exquisite decorations of floral motifs

On the white marble are gazed with Awe and honour.

Water channels in front of the Taj  Shimmer and glimmer

In Glee, day and night with Gold and silver

Reflecting the massive mausoleum!!

The Crenulated walls and chamfered Corners,

Stood Symmetrical, displaying the penchant of artisans.

With geometrical vines, flowers and fruits on the walls

As one walks through the arch ways into the

Inner layers of this magnanimous structure,

Seen the yellow marbles, jaspers and jades

Leaving the onlookers spellbound and bewitching!!

The radiance of this elegant tomb

Is enhanced with vegetative forms, contrasting paintings

Thus stood the Glory and pride of India embedded with gemstones

Capturing millions and millions of people around.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 22

FACT

I wield my pen wishing to shower delight!

Alas! I know not, reason-but only agony beget!

My pen sharper than a sword

To cut the hearts of none but my own….

While I wield my pen …I wish to be

Sharper, happier and warmer…

Lo! It turned always to be Sadder!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 23

Fantasy

I flew like a butterfly around the green fields,

and picturesque orchids fluttering my vivid wings.

Yellow pollen amidst the pink petals tickled me,

And I giggled in glee and ecstasy.

The nectar filled flowers quenched my thirst

Intoxicating my tiny body to a rest.

I trumpeted horrendously as an Elephant

Stamping and Cramping the earth

With my mammoth body, Creating a dusty cloud

Every step I surge ahead.

Scaring the mahout and the little kids alike

With my huge trunk and sharp tusks.

I swayed and danced like a peacock,

Opening my glazy Plumage hearing

Thundering Cloud before it wets the Earth.

I Screamed while I danced expectantly

As I searchedmy white feathered soul mate.

I fawned like a spotted deer over the green meadows

In penchant of tender leaves and sweet lake waters.

I scooted through the forest as a scared prey

And scuttled through the human habitat

And emerge a winner.

I scattered like a powdery cloud

Energised by the piercing Sun soon after a rain.

I stayedInvisible & anonymous

Till the next call from the moon.

I gathered as cumulus cloud with a silver border

To freeze the people in pleasure.

O God ! I want to be in all forms!!A real fantasy.

K. Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 24

Feelings

The Sharp grass blades

Shot upwards like piercing Spears:

Interrogating rhetorically to the canopied sky!

Why are we crushed

Ruthlessly under the human feet,

While the flowering rose plants

Adorn human houses?

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 25

Flowers

Jasmines and Lilies are we: Engulfing

Your houses with Exotic aroma.

We adorn human lives in sadness and delight alike.

We are an embodiment of peace and love.

Roses of all colours are we: Embellishing

Your lives in Honour, Concern and Sympathy

We unfurl our scent all over!

We are an embodiment of love and friendship.

Chrysanthemums and marigold are we: Splashing

Yellow and orange around you

In Celebrations and gatherings as garlands

We are an embodiment of energy and bonding

Belled Tulips are we: Coloured

Yellow, purple, red and orange

Longing to paint the Horizon of your life,

We are an embodiment of shades of experiences.

The largest Lotus and a small Tulsi are we: Humbled

To decorate and worship your Gods.

As you pluck us day after day.

We are an embodiment of Purity and divinity.

Both Humans and Flowers‘re budded and lasted alike,

You take us for your selfish reasons

Whilst  we give ourselves selflessly !!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 26

Friendship

O friend! I wish a ministering angel be our sister:

In making our reunion ere our dooms day!!

The entire Universe forestate’ our meeting:

To sprawl the message to mankind: Friendship

Knows no bounds! A friend who’s trustworthy,

Appraise ye genuinely and flawlessly.

He implies a rival as a critic: But, he

Expects no promise in cash or in kind

In return, thus wishes your good, not your fall.

True friends always agree to disagree with a smile.

Anew, we find many foes in disguise of friends-

Presuming favours in turn! Sparsely, find

We a genuine friend with good heart in

Appreciating and accepting ye as you’re!

Therefore comeback friend let’s reunite:

To Show the World of selfish folk: Still

Exist the selfless friendship between two

Men folk, despite Age, distance and wealth!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 27

Full moon

He’s a full moon clad in silver; walking

In grace and pride , Across the azure clouds!!

 Young lovers and young duo

 bathe in joy beneath him. Bards immortalize

Him though he lasts few hours a month.

 As a full moon he paints green leaves

Silvery white and transforms blue waters

White: The night queens shine brighter

With an orange line in centre and the

Pink lotuses in the pond shimmer high.

The silvery path lays way for the romantic

Ecstasy even the angry young men turn

Docile and calm while absorbing in

Moon light as he soothes the heart

And souls of all creatures alike.

He over shadows the twinkling stars

To shy away, they wait for a gibbus

Moon to re appear with rejuvenation!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 28

My Grandmother

Ere, Cockcrows, my granny sets apace to a temple

On a mere bank, at outskirts of our village.

She doesn’t go alone! Splashes water and

I am awake.Blithe to cleave her in morning mist.

We walk under flaxen Ether, Cross the virescent farm and mead:

With a voice clarion she chants her prayers

Awakening the sleepers of the village!

At three score ten, must Praise her celerity.

We halt at temple garden, pluck flowers

And craft a garland long of yellows, pinks and whites

To adorn the neck of Almighty!!

She paints the temple threshold in Turmeric daily

And Cleanse the steps upward to sparkle!

On return, feeds the needy with a bright smile.

Back at home cooks for all of us !!

I adore her for her brain and brawn:

Despite rain or cold it’s her routine!!

She is my grandmother!!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 29

Happiness

A tender- hearted lass with beaming face

Fawned through the meadows and orchid:

Green meadows and yellow orchids

Swayed and waved joyously,

to share the jocund company of hers.

The fragrance of yellow orchids

Scented her aquiline nose,

filling her heart with delight.

The delicate feet of the lass‘re filled with pollen

As the sepals and petals swayed back and forth to welcome her

She, then sat at the middle of the orchid

And basked in the Twilight Sun beams

Beautiful butterflies while crawling beneath the blades

Flew around her cascade hair in Illusion

She relished the beauty of nature,

And that’s her happiness.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 30

Giraffe

I saw a Giraffe -in solitude, staring the Azure Sky:

All alone in the Sprawling meadows in Savannas.

My bookish knowledge signalled His gender.

Of course! It’s but nature He secludes from his tower!

Is he in search of his female companion?

No it didn’t appear so! Does he want to nibble

Cacti leaves? Then he must be closer to them!?

I now want to go close to see His feelings.

Thought he would hum in fear or resentment:

Surprisingly he’s mum! Still gazing at the sky above!

I wish I knew the reason for this state of his!

As I touched his right leg hesitantly:

He hummed in melancholy! Oh, He

Is injured and in pain. Comprehended I.

I gathered tender leaves and offered same.

Did I see a feeling of gratitude in his eyes?!

Though not sure, I felt gratified.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 31

Good Morning

Serenity of morning’s so soothing and shook

She in: from hours of slumber: scattering my

Servility to nowhere: Sweet scents of

Morning Glory spread around sensuously:

Scintillating sounds of temple bells sanctimoniously

Filledsoft sacred feelings in me. Sanguine flowers

And Sunflowers of my gardenfelt sad as they can’t serve the God

Sparkling Special jasmine turned spiritual to worship:

My Skinny sister scowled at servant for making her scarf shabby

With Stains all across! The Summer Sun stealthily started

Sprawling silvery rays in the sky: The School bell, screamed

A few streets Away .Signalling all Students to be Studious

Sincereself- employed scurried to their seasonal service.

Sickly men stayed indoor and shied down, sceptically.

So started a Summer sultry and suffocating morning!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 32

GULMOHAR

Behold! Gigantic, yet a soft Yellow Pollen stood:

Amidst the ocean of Red floating petals above the ground!!

Over thirty springs, the Suburbs, I pass by, ere, my destination,

Serves this feast to my Eyes. The Gulmohar  sprawled in

More than thousand squares, All in Red,except for one

Huge and the oldest tree with its elephant like Trunk

With Yellow flowers,deludes, a Red rectangular Carpet with a yellow dot’

Floating in the Air! All Onlookers, but Stoppeth a while

To absorb this scenic beauty !!One can gaze and stare

But none can go closer !!The Isle though nearby, is isolated

With deep though narrow gulf; May’st the reason

It’s beyond Human touch and Still the nature at it’s best !!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 33

Heart of a Soldier

Infantry marched brisklyand swiftly

Saluted their national flag, filled

With reverence and patriotic fervour

Bravo! Praised and applauded onlookers

Including their Higher Ups.

Stomped and tramped towards

Battle field, and accomplished Errands-

On slaughter loyally yet not

Unemotionally !!Every enemy (?)

Massacred resulted in Gallantry award.

An Orchestra commenced trilling

In Unison, the song of the Nation!

Every note that’s minstrelled

To fill pride and honour, and admiration,

Melody and music in victory.

But Alas! It’s filled with melancholy

And Monarchal  as a tribute to the

Deceased soldiers in the yester war!!

To such degree, proving them as

Divinity is still prevailed in humans.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 34

Hues of the Day!!

Eastern Sky broke into hues of Orange and Gold,

Chirping Swallows fluttered ‘ier wings to peck,

Tiny dew droplets greeted walkers by..

To welcome another Day!

Golden rays turned silver, brightening the Day

And awakened man’s inner Zeal,

To engage in daily routine,

Swallows on Peepal, feeding ‘ier young ones on and off,

But the twinkling dew drops disappeared however.

Silver rays turned orange again….

 Fluttering and chirping swallows hurriedly perched back on Peepal

To embrace their newborns.

Tiny droplets shaping on the tiny leaflets

Waiting to twinkle under starry Sky:

Tiring and sweating man, striving to dwell

Amidst the Hussle and bustle …

                                                                  That’s a Day!!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 35

Emotions -A Human Being!!

At Six Summers, he walks gracefully:

In his pride gait and smile bright!

His elegant Eld Speech sans

Sermons won him laurels

Even among youth!

He’s named walking encyclopaedia!!

By all the Youth who clarified their apprehensions.

He practises ere proposing ….

Most Ethical! Is what people call him!

Till he‘s found in a brutal Act,

Indulging into a felony: Slaughtered

His own Off Spring! Is human nature

Situational?!Do wisdom and humanity

Powerful than Emotion ?!Vice -Versa!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 36

Island –life

I live in Isle blue waters all around:

Amidst bosky greens’ our settlement

Hundred in all we dwell on this land.

The Big and old go for fishing in the Sea.

Women folk and young below ten stay

And collect honey and roots and shoots.

We see few huge vessels halt and sell goods

We haven’t seen ever. Erstwhile, we swing

And dance on branches of huge Peepal that’s

At north Edge: Or languor around whole

Day .All young boys and girls look eager for the

Ship in black and white to stop: harbinger

Prepares for this moment: Evanescence

Technique put forth: steal as many valuables

Can one partake and relish to the fullest!!

We live and die on this sandy isle: Not knowing

World beyond! Except for a world in the Ship

On and Off: I was twelve! It’s time holding fishing

Rod and set catamarans free to amass aqua wealth

In the thin transparent net. Yet, I‘ve a new dream!

Barge into the large vessel, wander across the seas

Embark and disembark: Meet and sing with people

And make merry with money: The fate determines

Something else although: what’s destined is destined.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM – 37

Irony of Life!

Frozen woods‘re delighted with your footsteps;

Hoping for a long time companion….

Lo! Rustling leaves avidly invite thee,

For wrapping themselves amidst you.

Dew drops vehemently

Strive to enjoy your aroma.

Gigantic branches huffs and puffs to reach your trunk

To take solace….

Not knowing at all that it’s all short lived!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 38

Love story

We met on the sands of Pacific accidentally on a purpose.

Her radiant face haunted me till I spoke next eve: on the same

Sands .Our union seemed rabid and seamless: We had nothing

But to love each other. Her ravishing eyes and smile are ravenous.

For my love .She hailed from a Royal family, I from a Laborious folk!

But my Love’s rampant though it’s repugnant to her folk: although

She resonates my love.  Her radical thoughts and my righteous Love

Lasted but for few months. Till Her folk turned revengeful and ruthlessly

Ripped her away! I was ridiculed for my rudimentary status and ruefully

Gibed .She left me though reluctantly yet realistically. Thus, ended my love story.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM – 39

 A Lark

A sweet little lark nestling cosily

Got overwhelmed with fear and agony.

On hearing the boisterous roar of the King of the Jungle,

And a painful fawn’s screech!!!

“Beastly!”, frowned the Lark.

No sooner, heard she, a raucous hiss

From a large Snake grabbing a mongoose.

“Hmm…”, sighed she in despair.

And to her utter dismay,

Saw a giant Eagle swiftly lifting the helpless Snake

With its sharp beak…

Alas, cried she!!!

Suddenly, shattered at the outcry of a Raven next to her,

Just to witness a Possum creepily crawling to nibble the sad Raven’s eggs.

“Oh God! Why all this?”, screamed the Lark.

It’s the Law of Nature… Came a voice from the Heaven.

Accepting the Law of Nature, the Lark flew down to

The green Grass to pick her prey… a teeny weeny insect

Crawling stealthily without knowing its fate.

The Lark left its prey devastated, seeing a

Howling, growling, yelling and screaming

Human crowd fretting and fuming at their own folk!?

Seeing few bodies in the pool of blood

The Lark, aghast, asked “Is this too the Law of Nature, God”?

No it’s Human Nature, thud came the reply from Heaven.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 40

LIFE

Life lures all humans alike

To be on Precipice, not paving a path

It's we humans to choose or lose errands and paths!

Life tests us first, then names us:

Hard nut, vulnerable, coward, or soft, Successful or unsuccessful!!!

It's we humans to choose to be proud or humble!!

Life serves a platter full of joy amidst some sorrow.

It makes us wriggle with pain and bounce with joy!!

It's we, humans, to accept both alike!!

Life explains a theory of success as short-lived

and momentary accolades.

It's we as humans to understand and surge ahead!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 41

Marriage

We are the musical Trio, blowing

Trumpet, clarinet and flute, for all the good

We minstrel, puffing our lungs and,

Increasing the pitch as the bride,

Clad in red and gold glossy silk, adorned in

Pearls, emerald, diamonds and jades glittering

Around her neck, hands and all over!

Walked in Jewellery, embedded with smile and happiness

As we marched forward, orchestrating her to the

Hall of ceremony, filled with relatives and friends

Eager to see the red blushed bride; clad in Golden red.

While every ones’ eyes are on the bride, scanning her beauty,

The bride’s eyes rifled around, to find her chivalrous groom.

We paused, as we gazed a charming Youth

in Pearl- ash & a silvery  clad with red robe embellish

his broad shoulders ,and spreading captivating smile .And

Enraptured with the beauty of his bride.

The music we played with our puffed lungs

To spread the celebration is dominated

By people’s loud laughter over jests and greets!!

Small gifts to large gifts, money to jewels

Were exchanged in joy.

Sweets and savouries and multiple delicacies served.

Now, we the trio band stopped cavorting ,

Leaving the friends &relatives to fill fun and frolic

In the Wedding Hall. Every wedding Guest

Was attended to with honour and love,

Carving a niche of wedding Grandeur!!

But, none to quench the thirst of

Parched up throats  of the Trio band !!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 42

Master piece of Art!!

O Lord You‘ve painted my picture

Fair and lovely like any other child of yours!!

I crumpled and cracked it over years.

And blame thee for the same?!

Now I strive relentlessly to find my

Master piece created by you,

Just to find a disfigured face: over and over again

Oh God! Fetch me back my fair and lovely face!!

Answer thy feeble and desperate child.

“Find yourself from within!” said thee.

Now, realizing that I need to repair it from within,

I’ll stop blame thee forever.

K .Lakshmi Rao.

POEM - 43

Memories

              Fifty  summers plus I’m: I amassed

              Riches and walked in realms of Gold !

              I’m revered and honoured for prudence.

             I stroll amidst cacophony :It’s fate !!!

             I travel by air crafts and I cruise around the world.

                                                But I love to breathe fresh and  gentle breeze

                                            Ashore the country fresh water lake.

                                            The chirping of mynah, crowing of rooster

                                            Perched on our a century eld Bayan tree

                                           Haunts me .

                                The scented flowers, of  colours

                               Gathered in a brass bowl with our tender hands

                                Metamorphosing into long garlands,

                                Some to adorn the God and some on my  mothre’s

                                Long black cascade like hair,’s still afresh .

Twilight glisten, Leaves and flowers alike ,

Grass on the ground ,too gloomily shone.

The arcade, Patio and

Walkway that’s painted red marooned !!

My grand father and my father piled their sickles

Beneath the blue under the mango tree.

Smelling my grand mother’s delicacies:

Admixing with night queen scents.

My most memorable moments :

The  moon glittering food on tender leaves

And the aroma of sweets and pickles ,

The Humorous gibes  among the kith and kin

These sounds  of my village still linger my ears !!                                        K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM – 44

The Moonlight

The Scents of the Jasmine spread

Multi folded with Full moon

Canopying the garden.

Green leaves turned silver white

Mystifying the onlookers

Whether to pluck flowers or leaves?!

Cumulous Clouds Shrouded in Silver line

Creating illusions to kids

In finding rabbits, elephants and their dearest toys

Amidst them; On and off!! As

Once the clouds blanch and once beam

While they travel by

All the twinkling stars appear hazy and shying away,

Over powered by gleaming and glittery moon

Fireflies hid behind the thick bushes

Afraid of losing their original radiance.

Under the Moon Gleam

Glistening Eye balls of Tiger under the shadowy powdered moon,

With Rustling and buzzling dry leaves of tall bushes,

Filled Spooky suspicion across the azure Sky

Embracing the dismal sheen

Mothers in the backyard singing Lullabies

Rejoiced their off springs’ cute and beamed face,

And the Youth in the garden are serenading

Gallantly and Valiantly

To welcome their love in jollification.

A mermaid Splashed out of the blue Waters

Along with a Sylph with a scintillating body,

To dance and sing under the star lit moon!

But were spellbound at the milky night and stayed calm!

In the tranquillity of moon!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 45

Moths and Wasps

The sooner the clouds overcast the sky

And a cool breeze blows through the window

Panes, a swarm of wasps follow the pitter

Patter rain droplets .In fraction of seconds

The tube light is covered with moths and wasps.

Petite bodies with transparent and tiny wings

Are seen busily flying around the light.

With abundance of joy and happiness,

Flapping their wings against one another:

Still await and take solace in light and heat of the bulb.

And in no time droop down the floor in still.

If a human figures out his life is as short lived as

 wasps and moths will he enjoy his life like them?!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 46

MOTHER

She dwells in our hearts as an Epitome of Love,

Energy and radiance!

She holds our hands tenderly yet strong

Against all odd and ends!

She walks with us in our success and failure

Sans condition!!

She laughs and cries with us

In all our Joy and Sorrow!!

She counsels and scorns at us

In our mischief and confusion!!

She lays our path smooth with wisdom

To achieve our goals!!

She sways and swings with concern,

In our Play!!

She cooks and feeds us when we’re hungry!!

In her hour of hunger!!

She is the mother!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 47

Mudita

A young and lanky man he’s in his early twenties:

People named him “Mudita, for he goes extra mile

Helping needy: He does it all unnoticed! No trumpets

To blow, No news to cover: Silently and passionately

He walks in Social work. His ambition known to unknown

Is just upliftment of poor and needy; Calls he, these people

As God’s children! And as Act of God! Ergo he pleases them.

Sans returns neither cash nor kind! He’s noticeably unnoticed.

Yet he walks forth with same conviction as it brings jollification!

May his tribe multiply and bring more of humane feelings!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 48

My Love

O! My love, Shall I christened as Sweety !

You are my friend and foe together:

While you are near and far O my beauty!

 You spread warmth and love in any Weather:

I shall not praise you though I love you deep!

Afresh are Memoirs of our tender years …….

Hiding behind rocks and Crawling in dark Cave and to Peep!

Walking on edge of dock to throw pebbles designing layers:

And Ripples like frogs leap in sequence!!Climbing in Jubilance!

The tall trees, Cutting hedges in haste as labours:                                                                      

Every moment with you, life’s joyous in abundance!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 49

NIGHT

The Sun gently slid down the Horizon:

Leaving behind thin golden threads:

As a golden ribbon to the bridal Veil.

Birds hurriedly flew back, to perch

In their cosy nests till next dawn.

Darkness over cast the Sky

Signalling the menfolk to Call it a day!!

Cattle and herd drove back forth

Softly led by their shepherds.

The Crescent moon thinly spread his

Light on Night Queen leaves:

Making the buds bloom slowly:

By spreading fragrance all over:

cordially welcoming the Snakes

To crawl out for their prey: Elds

At Indoors sung lullabies to lure

Babies to enter the’r dream world.

Twinkling stars up and glow worms on

hedges, are the only light in the

darkness of the night. Screechy Owls

Stirred the babies in the sleep: Awaking,

the mothers to soothe and cuddle to sleep!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 50

Nostalgia

 I walked on the sands of beach reluctantly:

To wail away time: A tiny conch caught my eyes:

I travelled retro forty summers in a fraction of second!

Yeh! I was five then, used to come here every Sunday,

Built sand castles larger than my siblings: My

Castle always was unalike-My collections -pebbles

Tiny conches to the large coiled conches décor my

Castle and beautify it than others! But soon would

Collapse as my elder brother would break to

Tiny granules: Limitless times I used to

Rebuild it with same or even more energy!

And part it half-heartedly in darkness,holding

Soft hands of my mother fondly!!This coiled

Conch looked alike the conch I preserved in my

Life till my wedding as that conch’s gifted

By my mother. I held it close to my heart

And Educed my mother’s love and care:

Truly felt nostalgic of her body aroma!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 51

Nightmare

The Eastern Sun’s slowly spreading His thin and shiny rays

Ornamenting the still waters in Golden Gleam,

And turning the bone piercing chilly night

Into a warm and energetic Day;

Cautioning the Sea life to hide beyond human reach.

A tiny little Golden fish suddenly splashed through

Shiny waters and in a flash dived deep into the Waters.

I sat on the sandy beach, finding limitless

Expanse of Blue Waters,till the horizon.

And, On my North appeared a Green and Red Hill.

With a white narrow path that led to the Light house on the Top.

As, I tried to find the path avidly,

Saw I the border of white foamy and surfy water

At the foot of the Hill.

My Poetic heart imagined the gurgling

Sound  at the ebb and flow of waves,

And the Scent the morning Lilies carrying

As they Blossom at the Edges of the hill,

Mesmerizing the passersby

A little girl, holding her Parents’ hands

Leaped and bounced with Joy

As she walked uphill

She giggled and chuckled at her father’s jibes.

She glanced and glimpsed at the warm Sun

Behind her mother

She fawned and charged to reach the Light House

Leaving her tiring parents behind.

Alas! She rolled & slipped down the precipice.

As a Sack of Watery Sand coloured Red !!

Oh ! Lord Stop such Dreams to me forever !

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 52

Odyssey

My Odyssey on the parallel tracks amuses me

With an encountering of snorers,cacklers, gigglers:

Shouters and howlers and snickers and shriekers.

I chuckle at the moods and emotions around me

While stepping, while sleeping, and while eating:

As I find hundreds of them travel in the train.

My Odyssey on Parallel tracks amuses me,

Gazing the fawning and galloping trees and mountains

Flashing lights and moving stars dazzling moon.

The rhythmic sound and ongoing vibration

Fills my heart with jubilance and joy.

As I peep from glass window.

My Odyssey on Parallel tracks no more amuses me,

As I noticed, three score twenty passengers

Breathe their last on the tracks before meeting

Kith and kin. Pool of blood scares them through life.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 53

Old Age

Age before beauty! Anchor’s voice

Hit me hard, reminding me of my

Age. Mirror, mirror let me know!

Have I withered too soon? dark

Circles around my eyes, puffed

Underneath, haven’t concealed

Below the costly toner? No no..I haven’t

Wrinkled on my face yet .My curly

Cascade blonde hair’s yet to grey: And

I don’t fumble with pointed heels

On my feet!! I’m still being looked

With admiration by young and old alike.

Then why am I called old? Hmm, No!!

Age before beauty! The Anchor’s voice’s

Heard melodiously! I walked gracefully;

Felt honoured and humbled to be the first

To appear before the crowd! That’s the

Boon of growing older .You are revered,

You are honoured .Always be the first

Even in the long queue; I enjoy being

Old. Yes: I might look little withered

With wrinkles around my eyes and on

My neck .Yet my jubilant smile radiates

The surroundings: People forget my

Chronological age and admire my

Emotional age clubbed with energy.

Let’s accept beauty with brain at

Even Six Summers: Grow with time and

 Age not with beauty without brain.                                                            

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 54

PET

My barque stoppeth at a slow moving rivulet

Meandering between the bosky banks!

Me a bard for years, betake the nature

That’s picturesque for my poetry.

I betook the marshy and bushy edge of

The rivulet: A feeble mew ceased my move

Further: Saw a kitten behind hedge and beneath

The Bush, bleeding!! A Human like

Feeling gave He as I gently picked in arms.

He stretched his paws and licked my arms in honour.

His lithe body appeared too thin sans fur.

I caressed his bleeding body and Swathed.

In a cosy bed he moaned still,while

Rafting back home.He’s placed

In my Son’s room in around cosy cushion.

And his moaning eventually turned

Purring in Glee! My son’s happy too!!

Every morn, sharp at Seven, Purr as

He is named enter stealthily to have milk

In His moon like saucer filled to the brim.

He relishes Luke- warm milk with half

Closed Eyes exhibiting his ecstasy

Those five minutes of his day are the most

Delightful ones for him and us: that happens thrice

A day! His feline act is so amusing and gratifying!

Ergo, I gifted my son a pet of his choice!!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 55

Poison

Vindictive and venomous friend aside

Is greater danger and fiercely than

A Poison that ye consume by chance!

Antidote kills the poison and saveth thee:

Yet, the malign and malicious friends

Sees thy end till death! Ergo, A spiteful

Smile’s ten times more treacherous than a

Truthful Scorn: Behold the Fox masked

Friend ,And be saved of foe’s hazard!

There lies your Success !!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 56

Pride

The Jubilant crowd cheered for his victory

Over the pedestal and across the railing!

The Hero of the team waved hands gracefully:

Moments of victory filled glee in him.

He’s known as world renowned Soccer player.

The pride of his country: Many a time His

Country flag flutters high by his name in Sport.

Soccer and  He are synonymous across Globe!

He’s called on the victory post! His gait

Cast back pride and confidence too! Amid

The cheering audience received he the trophy!

Yet never acknowledged any of his trainers?!

His clear and forthright statement about

His sole victory won him no soul at all!

Anomalous of a Sports man; Worse than

A Tyro: commented The News and a Fire fly!

Every time the Pride hath a fall! While

Stepping down he had a fall on his soccer

Ball! The Ball that lifted his life to heights

Pulled him to the Earth: He‘s crippled Now!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 57

PEARL HUNTER

All days, ere dawn, I dive deep in saline waters,

Fetching precious pearls. Big, small & round :

Cutting the  deep straight ,I touched sea bed.

Ocean floor & bathyal zone is azuring ,

Coral reefs, Sea urchins ,marshy greens,

Along the Oysters lure me daily.

I ‘s spellbound at the sea beauty !!

My floating  hand and body picked yet another Oyster .

It’s a promising day,  Oysters filled my steel basket !!

A Euphoria set in dreaming of wealth I amass today.

Amongst the herring school ,came a Heavy moist body

Slam !! Hit my back !! My tumbled and shivering body

Wreathed in pain .Alert ! Dive upwards ere death !!!

But Alas ! I was chased by the Heavy creature till my last breath !!

Who will tell my family where I’m dead unattended ?!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 58

PEN

My busy bee kid, suddenly yelled

Was awe struck! Scurried towards him,

We saw his eyes Popped up, in fright held he

An old cylindrical object and blue fluid oozing out

and soiling his Palm. He’s utterly alarmed

Not knowing to keep or to throw that

dreadful object!The more he’s trying to

get rid of it, the more it’s wetting his palm.

My wife cuddled and comforted him

And assured his safety Though

Appeared little relieved still

With confused voice, he questioned

“What’s it? Smilingly, replied his mother:

It’s a Pen .Oh what’s its use? Was his

Query: It’s used to write on the paper:

His face turned perplexed and paler still:

Pen …write.. paper ;which language

Are these words originated dear mom?

Were uttered hesitantly he, still in disbelief:

Sadly,  replied his mother: Yes child

Half a century ago these three objects

Ruled the rooster: as people used these

Were most successful!! Now of course

They are obsolete .

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 59

Silver Gull

The Silver Gull rubbed her yellowbill against the Oak bark softly,

And looked at its fledglings around in glee…

Fluttered the wings and flew as the

Blue Pacific waters appeared glimmering and shimmering with glee and gild!

Realizing her day-long journey on the Shimmering waters.

Dismayed at the human populous thronging on the beaches

For Sunbathing,Surfing and Sand playing…

She searched for a place to search for her prey.

At last, found a wave with few human companions while surfing..

She gracefully landed on the ebb and flow scrutinizing the prey

As she glided on foaming white

A joyful glee of a human baby caught her eye,

A tiny little kid ‘s bouncing and jumping on a Surfing Boat with his father.

Thoughtfully gazing the wooden board protecting the child,

Contemplated if this can build foraging skill of her scared fledgling;

She leaped o‘r the board to share the kid’s delight in Surfing the waters.

Oh! No grace, no joy while not touching the white foam thought she!

It’s just for the petrified human kids and not for mine chuckled and flew off!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 60

Power of Love

Where was the innate servility?

Where did thou go my fatigue?

Where did you hide the everlasting Quest?

Where was the parched throat?

I was in a world of despair, disgust and dejection!!

As a chivalrous heart, you made me conquer my servility.

As gallant Warrior you had driven away my fatigue.

As brave Knight you entered my Life quenched my thirst

With a pail of your love!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 61

Power of Nature

 Once I sat reclined in a field, joyous

In the country side, as I travelled by.

The dusk engulfed the fields almost!!

And the scent of Yellow mustard and pink primroses

Bewitched me alike!!

Tiny corn kernels, tried popping keenly

To see the World around under moonlight,

While the maize plants swayed rhythmically to the

Sweet and cold breeze

That’s caressed the land gently…

Mystifying the human nostrils in

Picking lustrous scent

I buried my human nature of Lust and greed

Of uncouth and boorish

Amidst this enchanting and Powerful Nature.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 62

Prayer

Before the night Past away

Light the lamp of my life; with your flame, O Beloved.

I am waiting for the evening

When you’ll come along the path

Carrying your flame,

And my heart with its brooding darkness

Will light up in a blaze!!

K .Lakshmi Rao

Five Elements

My mother nature borne us five: The Elements

All alike. We’re inseparably separated naturally!!

I am the blue planet, the Earth. I’m

 Filled with Life of humans, birds and animals,

In all forms: I evoke olfactory senses in

Human beings. Hard though I appear,

I am firm and stable except in shakes.

Patience I am despite of being stamped

By billions of feet. I so am resourceful

And bountiful to fill my kids in millions

I am Water, the second element. I’m

Indispensable! I am an elixir to all life:

Though colourless, People call me Blue

As I reflect the sky my brother seamlessly.

I am inseparable from my folk, Ether, fire

And Air: even if one can look through me.

I evoke the emotions of love, wrath, sorrow

Which waver as a water bubble in my folk

People who bear me in walk back and forth in

Confusion: too fluid in their decisions.

I am difficult to be fathomed and I treasure

Life and precious gems: I’m the taste, without

Which none can live.

My mother named me Fire: I create

Havoc and fear as my denotes: I’m

The creator and the destroyer: I manifest

Heat &light and invoke vision in men

I do harm if mis used: Human folk while fret and fume

Resemble me as siblings.

Air I am, omnipresent yet unseen:

Though felt and experienced: I

Fill life in human beings and animals

Alike. without me none can breathe:

I live in oblivion and un noticed

Till I turn furious: I can be gentle and soft

And yet times can be harsh and horrendous.

I am fair and just as a creator or a destroyer.

Though I am untouched I represent touch

Among human beings; Thus I am unique.

I am spread over all the elements as

A protector holding a magical umbrella

On air, water, fire, and earth azure.

I’m the subtlest of all elements my mother

Borne: I’m the purest and untainted

I’m the medium ,to reach God with chantings.

POEM - 63

Reminiscences

I set my foot into this Pink  Palace, a two score and ten

Years after: As a stranger and an Onlooker!!

Joy and sorrow Over whelmed me alike and at once!!

My childhood images reeled around me as a thick layer of clouds.

The dooms day, still haunts my mind.

The Hue and Cry: made me stand as an onlooker still lingers in my ears!!

A faded image: A tender girl in Red Silk frock, ruthlessly hauled out of

Palatial Pink Palace, A tear Stained face with utter confusion and grief

Engulfed my mind

My childhood was submerged amidst the large pile of books and four walls.

Though, my Palace walls were tall and large, were protective,

Than the thin short parapet walls encompass me now:

Far away from my Palace gardens.

As a child, I fawned around, the plush green gardens,

I danced with Peacocks and chirped with Parrots, all through the day.

The pink walls glittered Gold and the Silver Fountains Sparkled musically;

At dusk and star lit moon alarming me to,

Cuddle cosily, beneath my soft silk beds.

I basked in Sun and bathed in rain delightfully.

It’s my birthday four decades ago!! The Palace was

Illuminated, with confetti, balloons and flowers around:

My aunts, uncles, cousins, from everywhere,

Came in their best attire with gorgeous gifts in hand

Greeted me and blessed me wholeheartedly(?)

Amidst such euphoria, spurted a hue and cry…

And my World changed from fantasy to dreadfulness!!

Thus, I am made a foreigner to my own Palace.

Yes! I foregathered, from people who changed my world,

That I am an orphan, generously taken by the Princess!?

Uh! Wish, I wouldn’t be experiencing the Palace life!!

Too blissful, even though!!

My eyes, now, fell on the pale pink walls, once radiant!

Sparkling water pools, no longer reflect the buildings and green gardens

As twigs and brown leaves surfaced the thick muddy water!

No gardens of Parrots and peacock one could find.

Neither the roses nor the lotuses seen!!

No trumpets and the drum beats are heard as a welcome note!!

No neighing of the Royal horses to march forth the guests,

Everything is still and silent, Lifeless and dead!!

Where’s the beautiful Princess with pink lips and glittering Eyes?

Always dressed in Blue and green to immerse in nature?

Where are  my Grand Parents with half opened lips, flashing the Royal smiles?

Can I meet them all? Can someone restore the Past Glory!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 64

Rhetorical Question

A question unanswered

                    The Sharp grass blades

                    Shot upwards like piercing Spears:

                    Interrogating rhetorically to the canopied sky!

                    Why are we crushed

                    Ruthlessly under the human feet,

                   While the flowering rose plants

                    Adorn human houses?

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 65

Royal March

Large cavalry, clad in green, trumpeting and drumming

Marched briskly, moved ahead were second rung,

Cavalry armed with muskets and matchlocks.

Then, come mammoth elephants snorted and stamped

To rise the dust around in a cloud,

And trumpeted too loud, echoing long palace walls!

Then the Royal horses subdued to gallop

Walked gracefully with archers!!

Infantry clad in green, with strong oxen

Dragging Cannons made their way.

Followed by a massive army, had trundled carts

Loaded with weapons and armour!!

All set to the arduous journey across the borders!

Just to get the dazzling encrusted throne!!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 66

Rabbit

I opened the door, earl dawn! A sweet

             Scent of night queen filled my heart in

             Joy abundance! Walked outside in

             The Light of half-moon! A lonely house,

             As I came from led a narrow sandy

             Path to the village pedestal spread

             Around the Spiritual Banyan Tree.

             Suddenly, a furry tiny creature crossed

             My path! The light not too bright filled

             Suspicion towards a bad omen! A Cat

             Crossing path: Oh! shook my head

             Not trying to bother! though hesitantly.

             Heard a clucking soft from a side bush

             As I bent down to examine the creature

            Either to confirm to be a cat or something!

            Two dazzling berries on a fluffy white face

            Appeared before me. Before even he scurried

            To his hole I held him gently in my hands!

            It’s a cute bunny rabbit! That’s when I

Decided rearing a pet!

K.Lakshmi Rao

  POEM -  67                                                    

Rainbow

I sat aside the window holding a book in hand

Having a mind to read for pleasure: Suddenly

Appeared Two rainbows like arches arching,

One literally through the window and one mindfully

In the book! Tried relating bountiful beauty …

At one fell swoop: An awesome umbrella one

Can shelter below the clouds and beneath sky.

Stretching magnanimously from one end to the other.

Tiny golden rain drops attempting to wet kids

Playing in the Park along with aged hurrying

Back to shelter in apprehension. The half wet

Earth releases a muddy aroma to feast the nostrils;

Sending a signal not to miss the beauty of half wet

Green leaves around garden and thin grass underneath.

I, aspired to plunge outdoors, Be amidst the crowd

Bodily, but alas! At Eight Summers and five

I hardly can walk out of my wheel chair.

I just have sweet memoirs of my childhood

Milling around the green pastures and meadows

In thin rain and trying to catch the rainbow

With wide stretching arms in awe and awe!!

And, O Rainbow! You are a sight for sore eyes!

For Old and Young alike .Salute to thee!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 68

School master

School master he’s for thirty summers and past!

His bi-cycle bell knells at half-past seven all days:

In a white attire and a black satchel and a Black

Umbrella hanging in rain or sun behind his chariot!

He greets the kids and the adults alike on way

School: Crossing the temple, church and the Mosque

In equal reverence: Holds the hand of old and young

with his wisdom and compassion: He’s boy next door!

He carries two to three boys whining to go to school

He feeds the stray dogs and cattle with love and affection.

He plays at school and on the village ground training

Students to be physically fit: Thus he’s dutiful ever.

The thirty Summers saw forth a single change

Either in his routine or his persona! Now

Round spectacles around his deep narrow eyes:

With a speckle band hanging around his ears.

He shaped the clay balls into a handsome one:

Not just the physique but to a mindful persona:

He’s revered and honoured ever after-Not for

His knowledge but for his passion and concern

Sparingly a school master with such conviction

And commitment get a society, who mould

The future children and the Nation together:

Such School masters in multiples is the need of the hour!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 69

Shadow

My Own shadow betrayed me when moved to darkness.

Then why not men? The longer your shadow the more

Friends and folk skirt you, in Limelight like a shadow: And

Disown thee ruthlessly running behind the long shadow.

A Day too hath darkness at the dusk, and is it possible

To be Sunny and bright all day? Yet, your folk applaud

You when you are on the pedestal not at the ground.

Yes! I like my shadow that confirms that I live:

Imperfect is my shadow as my childhood: sometimes

Long, sometimes short, once right once left and behind

Yet, we are inseparably separable like success &failure

Day &night .Oh! My Folk! Accept me as I am sans success!

Erstwhile, a graceful beauty looks scant in silhouette!

So am I in failure .Let’s have a tryst with destiny fair.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 70

My Sister

A petite, thin five feet tall though;

Stands tall like an Iron pillar at All

Our Odds and Ends !! She’s a fatherly

Figure to me and my sisters even if

We are apart ! She’s Separably -  inseparable

In our lives. Her wise saws paves the

Concrete paths undisputedly in our lives.

Her concern and love are immeasurable

Jewels that armour our bodies in times

Of crisis and hardships. She canopies

Us with her affection and warmth

Unfailingly, in joy and sorrow alike.

We endear her benevolence fondly

From a tender age to old age.

She is an epitome of responsibility

And sorority entwined in our lives.

It’s foregone conclusion : She

Dwells immortal in our hearts forever.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 71

Sleep

O Sleep! Come thee gently and

Embrace me: carry me softly

To a world of dreams with sparkling

Silvery fairies -make me fly around

Garden of Eden: I touch the soft

Lilac buds yet to bloom, I nibble

The sweet nectar from the purple flowers!

I swim across the saline waters and enjoy

Beautiful gold fish in trance. I fly and

Hold fluffy soft clouds with in hands,

I drive away the crooked witch off

Her broom: So she turns another fairy

Carrying my next brother along me

Both can over see the yellow mustard fields:

Transpired into Oceans of blue filled with

Fleet docked but plunge to travel overseas:

O fairy! O sleep! put me back fast asleep

On my soft pillow and between my mother’s

Arms those armour me from night mares.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 72

Sound of Silence

Someone whispered a sound of melody

In my ears, soothing and serene:

Someone murmured in dark silence,

Arousing me sensuously

As I meditate, I hear my heart’s beat!!

The Power of silence creates inner sounds

Of mind and heart: Awakens the positive

Thoughts. The murmuring of Conch

Vibrates my inner ears Spurting

The Vedic chanting distantly:

Chiming of bells gently strikes my

Auditory sense effectively and explicitly.

I hear all external sounds internally

In the power of silence! Silence

Brings implicit sounds explicitly!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 73

Spice of Life

Variety is the Spice of Life!! Now comes

The recipe of Life: Add, Sweet meat Love

And a salty affection, a bitter truth of

Criticism, a pinch of Piquant anger and

Aggression, A sour gibe, a sincere and sugary

Appreciation maketh a Life as Spicy as a hot food.

Variety is the Spice of Life! a soft spoken

Man encounters most aggressive and

Boorish person million times in life.

An uncouth lady marries a civilized man!

A dejected person is accepted all of a sudden!

An Optimist might turn pessimist! One

May make a right wrong choice in life!

A lazy lass may turn into most active overnight.

A confident becomes diffident with one say!

A kind mysteriously behaves cruel in a situation!

Yet a Life remains the same for everyone.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 74

Strangers

I felt suffocated and my throat parched up

As though deprived I of water for ages by my rivals.

My body below my waist trembled fearfully:

I am drenched in sweat from head to toe !

As a rolling and dripping pig in the dirty puddle!

Wondering the reason for this trepidation?

I am among the new people .I am scared!

I am not ready for a dialogue! I want to be

Lonely, Isolated and secluded! Am I diffident?!

May be! Don’t I like myself? People around?

I fantasize indulging in long conversations

With all. Yet, I hesitate to be amidst the strangers!

Know not why?! Will someone help me over come this?

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 75

Smile

Long ago, a lass living in affluence,

Thrived to sway in glee to the melodious notes…

Alas! She jerked with trepidation,

Cause she ‘s amidst the apathetic lot!

Supressed the urge to sing from the bottom of her heart:

On the verge of losing hope,

A passionate word from a chivalrous heart,

Multiplied her happiness.

She danced and sang with joyous abundance.

The pale lifeless eyes turned dazzling diamonds,

Adorned in smile and hope

She chirped as a tiny bird.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 76

Snake

I twisted and turned hastily, I slithered

To the foot steps of my human friends(?)

I rolled across the sand hill and jumped into my anthill.

With a sigh of relief I cuddled around my hatchings.

My teeny - weeny  snakelets are  wriggling around me

Tickling and warming me, though for a short while.

Signalled my hunger pangs to

Catch a prey. I stealthily slithered out,

 and flicked my tongue, Smelling a rodent close by.

I hurriedly gulped it full and licked my forked

Tongue with ecstasy and comfort.

 Quietly in the dark, I moved to quench my thirst.

The twinkling stars, blinked and winked at me

In consensus, the silvery moon paved the path

To a gurgling brook. The Grey powdery clouds

Shaping as writhed snakes clapped in silence.

I straightened my tongue, bending my hood

And licked water, savour the sweet taste,

I craved to lick more and more

Before I writhe back to my black hole.

But a hard stick hit me, piercing my scales in pain,

Followed by howling and yelling cautioning others.

Oh! who will explain these human breed

Not all snakes are venomous.

My body no more wriggled, I lied down dead.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 77

Snowy-flakes

Snowy-Flakes, the tiny white kid,

Escaped, his large herd through the grazing ground.

Leaped &bounced delightfully, to the woods near by:

Longing to taste all the fragranced herbs all alone.

Thin legs aided him through the thickets and the hedges.

Snowy-Flakes,walked gracefully across the green pastures,

Nibbling thin glassy blades of grass

Hastening his steps in greed to relish more tasty herbs,

He flung far away, leaving, his pen, family and herd far behind.

He ate the tastiest herbs and most tender leaves,

That he never ate, he climbed hillocks, and trees

And barged over the hedges all day long.

He bleated and bleated to his heart’s content

Enraptured in isolation.

Suddenly, the grass before him turned golden glow,

As he looked up the sky awestruck, high peaks

Sparkled and shone like diamonds,

Signalling, Snowy-Flakes, it’s time to reach his pen.

Elegantly and stealthily, jumped he back forth

In the mind to share his glee with his family.

But, Alas! At one cliff, got struck, In fear and confusion?!

Do I turn right, do I turn left? Contemplated he-

Now, through the dusk, emerged the crescent moon

Blinking, thinly over the pastures ,and cliffs !

Barely giving a chanceto move ahead !!

Now,Snowy-Flakes, bleated  & bleated

 An out cry in despair ,to reach his pen

 And his family, but in vain !!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 78

Soldier

A battle Cry of our Sergeant makes us march

Ahead, in bone piercing chill night

We neither know nor we see the war mongers

Or the aggressors. We neither intent nor enjoy

The on slaughter but as per the order we surge

Sometimes, we outflank: our opponents (?)

And be edge over others: yet other days

We’re Exfiltrate for regaining power.

Whether a crusade or a political war,

We look for harmony and retreat peace.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 79

Song of the Heart

A solitary loon minstrel’s on, till morning light!!

In a serene Panorama

Away from all cacophony!

Can you guess why?!

In anticipation of an aesthetic heart

On a fine morn, flushed she with Credence:

Neither time nor tide stilled her determination

In displaying her heart’s Elation Now.

Can you guess why?!

On the hilltop stood he,

With a triumphant heart and jubilant soul

So enraptured for inspiring the damsel….

Too divine!! Too dainty!!

Encore! quoth he .

Blushed the lass and replied in red

Its your own song and So I sang elegantly!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 80

Squirrel-My friend

I am up with the squeaking of a squirrel daily.

At the toll of six, my window pane vibrates:

As my tiny friend scratches and gnaws it for nuts:

I gently slide the window glass, spread delicious nuts.

I love to see the ecstasy of my friend

While gnawing &scraping and rubbing the food

With his petite teeth: And an expression of gratitude !!

Sometimes ,I find him in my garden darting ,

Sometimes flicking his tail snappily .

Sometimes being too skittish seeing humans &

Sometimes darting back and forth in search of a branch nearby.

It’s a pleasure seeing my squirrel all the day.

But, amazingly, he meets me once a day at six !!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 81

STORM

Dusty Storm covered the town as thick as a brown canvas!

Leaving zero vicinity, showing none around.

It turned all greens brown: white clouds black!!

Betwixt, this brown Canvas, a feeble voice, shrieked,

Mom! Where are you? Oh mom!! Won’t you answer me!?

A tiny petite girl ran helter -skelter cutting the dust

With her stretched arms violently.

In no time her shining pink frock turned brown,

And her pale face dusty while slicing the dusty cloud ,

In search of her hungered mom !!Alas! in vain.

People howled and screamed from Indoors

And none came outdoors ! All safe and silent!!

A while later, Storm calmed down as if

The mother nature chanted a magic spell.

Human folk, hurriedly moved out their nestle :

As seeds bursting from the pod!!

Everyone restored their routine under a hustle and bustle.

As though no catastrophe occurred !!All’s fine!!

But, a few Humane folk noticed the tiny foot marks

Across the dusty pathway, abruptly vanishing at the pond unnoticed!!

And her hungry mom lying under a huge brown trunk!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 82

The Chieftain

The Chief turned livid vividly,

Sensing clanging armour approach spitefully:

In distinct, distance:And his Army expressed futility:

In living in a place of hostility.

As He ordered; they charged with clank!

Slicing down the neck and Shank!

Two pride of Lions fought fiercely.

Leaving sharp impact austerely

Chieftain summoned his army survived!

Assured a safe life revived!!

Ah! he shook his head in agony,

As he promised his tribe o’ harmony?!

Hmm! this land’s amidst danger!

Filled with brutal brawn and Hanger!

Still, isn’t it edgy shifting them?

Is the angst that filled him.

Tlot! Tlot! hoofs of Warhorse

Galloped apace away from his Force

Weary horse stoppeth at edge,

Of river with water and hedge:

Oh! serene, scenic, breezy ,observed he !!

Yes, here! happy and safe my tribe can be !

Assured of his folks future delight ,

Relaxed he, on green canvas of grass: under the Sun bright.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 83

The Old House

Am an old house on the country side.

I have raised and nurtured a dozen and a half kids,

Over three decades from different families.

My master who made me left for border.

And I stand as a pillar to shelter others.

I saw naughty and mischievous kids:

Running around and scratching my walls and pillars.

I saw more disciplined and tender hearts touching

Me and fondle with love and care.

And also witnessed kids hitting against me, in quarrels

To be victorious over others!!

But of all the tender faces, one face haunts me forever.

He ‘s brought in year one along the other eld boys to ‘tis house!

He looked different, smiled different and walked different.

Elder brothers grew older but he’s not!

He’s to be with his mother forever:

He smiled at none but his mother.

He walked slowly while touching me gently

As a little kid would do for his first steps.

Though he stayed for a decade;

I could feel the pain both of mind and body

In that touch! I was agonised at his

State! I craved cuddling him while

His mother’s away! But being a brick wall

Couldn’t do much though!!

One early morning, the house dusked(?)

With loud cry of agony : I saw my Prince

As I named him, was lying still at

Central Patio ,leaving everyone sad .

Years passed ,many more kids

I’ve nurtured and sheltered, yet the 

Gentle and different touch of Prince

Never I got again .I am lifeless

May be: But his memories haunt me ever !!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 84

To be or not to

To be or not to be? Vacillating and faltering

Is human. I as a human always shilly-shally,

Over silliest of all issues And get away with it.

Never I encountered a serious diverged moment

As my dilly-dallying is praised on and never I expected..

Yet the life all about;

Testing us first, then teach a lesson like a teacher!!

That day in my life has approached

Pressing me hard against wall, giving

Less than a fraction of second without dilly dallying,

I’m asked to choose between devil and the deep sea!!

Then I encountered the true dilemma –

To be or not to be !!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 85

Train

   I rumble and ramble along the meadows and hills,

    Hooting and whistling: Alarming and alerting

   And carrying the men folk around the world

   My wheels and rails kiss each other rhythmically

   Rock and Sway n sooth babies sans lullaby.

    Ten scores plus tribes in didactics train and un-train

    Reach their journey’s end, in jubilance!

    I jerk to drop few ethnic groups at hill stations.

    I loop around the hills and bounce down the valleys

    Feasting the eyes through glass windows.

   I make trees and houses fawn and gallop to

   Subdue the inner sadnesswith scenic beauty:

   Also, the street children wave in glee!!

   I paint a shadowy pastures and sky above.

   I puff and pull the carriage from a station,

   Leaving all the kith and kin behind

  I Chug over the bridge with silvery water below

  I jangle over tracks as I mellow down near a station.

  I Chime and clang; rattle and clatter,

  Singing the metallic song adding to people’s chat.

 And sometimes bickering about the seats

 Popping momentary rivals, pacifying human ego!!

 I turn some faces happy, while being on time.

And a frown on the same, when I bow to the time

I, like a long serpent snake- through churches and temples,

Bushes and plains alike to converge people withoutdifferential.

I am a either a friend or a foe to all !!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 86

Treasure Hunt

I yearned to hunt my heart’s treasure:

I cruised across seven seas! Tasted

Waters of all continents! Conversed

With millions and million intellectuals

Debated across with the table and the wisdom:

Still the treasure I’m yearning is yet to find!?

Every face I encountered, hid pain behind

A plastic smile: A wrinkle around the eyes

Or an unknown frown of their forehead;

Accord me of inner feelings!! Saw, Affluent,

Wealthy, Powerful: In vain My search

Pursued: Now in Poverty: Plaintive more so:

Pathetic and violent, rugged and frustrated

Hence, my hunt continued: Apprehensive,

Am now: Will I get what I’m looking in

My human folk? The true happiness?!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 87

The Tailor Bird

A Yellow crowned tailor bird

Flew from one tree over the other

Pecking the leaves in its long curved bill,

Perched on a Chestnut branch

Cosily with its rounded wings

And strong legs- spread its greenish plumage

Signalling her male companion !!

Sharing and weaving together

Sewn a beautiful nest

Laid the eggs with utmost love and passion

Just to see them being swallowed by a huge snake.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 88

LOTUS

A dazzling black Lotus, glimmered

Twice beautiful, in the mirror like water at moonlit night!!

Droplets twinkled, on the rounded leaves around.

Allusive of Power and pride!!

The soft pink Lotus, shimmered

Amidst the blue, purple and black Lotus in the daylight!!

Thin petals layering around yellow pollen

Illustrative of love and friendship

The thick purple Lotus shone bright

Under the Sunshine. Rays pierce through

Rounded petals and leaves radiate,

Exuding, Royalty and grandeur

The bright white Lotus glared

In noon with Sparkling silver.

Gracefully carving its Glory around

Encapsulating peace and Purity.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 89

The Queen

She grew a garden with

Exotic lilies, roses and jasmines.

And also nurtured green parrots and blue peacocks

Thus spread the Royal Splendour around.

Her palace dazzled with Gold &Diamonds.

All her Royal folk ‘r busy

Finding joy amidst the riches:

Yet she lives in silence as

Lethal as a poisoned Sword!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 90

The Stallion

I’m from the sands of Arabia: called ,

Black Arabian Stallion. Very

Expensive!! People priced me.

I chuckle in pride and I strut and swagger,

Displaying it more so ever.

My mare and my Pony meander in stable happily,

While People throng in to see me:

We know not why though!!

It’s a full moon night, and we, after our

Daily evening chores grazing at the

Green Pastures and quenching our thirst

in a sweet water lake,  sauntered and ambled joyously.

Before a soothing nap.

My Jockey entered untimely to my Stable;

Coaxed me to walk steadily with him,

Though I stalked: sniffing some unforeseen peril.

My mare watching me move out at odd timings,

Careened and Shook my pony too.

Probably, sensing our parting forever(?)

I staggered and lumbered but in vain.

Thus, I am here. Deported from my place to this.

It’s an ordeal journey shifting from truck to another

 Several times, lonely with just some water and fodder around.

Now I have a larger stable, more cushioned than before.

Served sumptuous fodder ,embellished sophisticated saddle

For my rider to flaunt .

I am asked to gallop delightfully.

Yes ! I carried my rider and galloped but

Not happily, as I miss my Pony &mare.

Know not why we’r  parted !!

I wish to be studdish&lunge ,though not my nature.

I galloped faster than usual, amidst the cheering crowd.

The Winning Trophy adorned my  master, and

Pocketed more currency than ever, as my

Jockey cuddled me in celebration.

I foundered &stumbled back to my stable.

A tear rolled out in thought of my pack,

I want or skulk and lurch out of my stable,

But I’m confused ,Can I meet my pack ?How?

K. Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 91

The Tree of Sorrow

I arose from the ashes of Princess

Beautiful, yet dejected as rejected

By thee the Sun! I know not the reason.

I transformed into a tender white flower

bordered orange around my neck

Allusive of your shine and my purity!!

Though rejected, I fondle your feet.

Even in grief I sprawl intoxicating fragrance

At moon lit light! I am a mere Spectator

To Entwining serpents and young lovers.

Yes! Sun, I am scoffed and scorned, Yet

I am embraced by the moon, the stars,

Humans, and you in the temple.

Though I fall beneath my branches, priests

Craft me into garland to adorn your neck.

I am honoured as divine flower .

I am with you ever,-the parijatha !!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 92

The Tree

Under my shade, sat a youth…

Pale gaunt and gloomy.

Wherefore came thee my child? Asked I,

From the farthest East,quoth he.

Why,you stand sadly? curiously inquired I

Hungry,I’m slowly&hesitantly replied he.

Filled with pity dropped I

Three fruits off my branch.

Mayst I know why your face’s still gloomy?

Twirling here and twisting there :

No—Shade for me to dwell said he.

Oh ! dear dwell thee here: answered I.

Shall n’t get a branch for me to rest ?

A greedy voice came over my branch.

Gave I my share of to bear him fair.

Thud woke I of my slumber as

Agony stuck my trunk,

Bleeding trunk and dripping branches

Spoke now….

Stop trusting people at least now!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 93

The Wave

I turn green with jealous

Seeing my zealous brethren

Washing the tiny feet in glee.

I lament in dismay

Every time I hit the dock;

I rise every moment in hope to

Kiss the tender human feet on the shore.

And Crave to see

Beaming faces while I

Tickle them mingling with sand.

But Alas! I am always hit hard by the dock.

I love to see kids playing with foam

Sitting safe on the lap of their mothers on the beach!

But all that I can do is to enjoy the happiness of my brethren

Tickling the babies, the pretty lasses, love birds

Old and young.

While I get a hit from the dock every time I rise!?

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 94

The Wharf

At the stroke of Sixth bell of the church

She appears on the Wharf!!!

In Sun or Rain, Cold or fall

She does nothing but to look expectantly at all the Ferries to moor in.

No Ferry stops at her Wharf, nor a boat would: over a decade,

Still she appears on the Wharf at the Stroke of Six and sits the daylong:

She neither enjoys the silhouette of Bridge nor the City Tower,

No one knows what she stares at blankly? Except she;

A Red hat and a blue scarf is all she adorns On

Her pale blue eyes and sad wrinkled hands

Yet she looks at all Ferries expectantly.

Her eyes grow wider when a Blue Cops appear on the Ferry passing by….

She scampers through the Jetty to barge into the moving ferry,

Though in Vain.

Still no one reasons out her routine on the Wharf.

It’s at the Sixth bell, again she appeared on the Wharf expectantly….

Suddenly her Pale Eyes opened wide with Glee,

Asher wrinkled face shone bright seeing a

Skiff heading towards the unused Wharf over a decade.

Like a sharp magnifying Glass her eye balls

Pierced through the moving Skiff to see her heart and Soul

Even before she hustled through the Jetty to cuddle him with her open arms

Thud! came the corpse of the Long awaited Love,

As water filled sand bag at her feet!!

In a minute after which people in the next Ferry,

Could only see the Red Hat and the Blue Scarf floating on the dismal waters.

And a Hungry vulture spinning around the two still bodies

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 95

Village Girl

Her day starts before the knell of the temple bell.

Ere the cock crows, in still and dark morn,

She holds her two pails and walks to the river:

As to fetch water to her folk: cooking and drinking.

She walks swiftly and rhythmically with two

Empty pails in her hands! Her thin dark feet

Crush the gulmohars and night queens gently,

Her sleepy eyes gaze the narrow path cautiously,

Her red curved lips chant the prayers continuously.

She walks back two miles and a half: now her

Two agile arms upwards holding brimmed

Water pails, fashioning a sensuous waist curve,

Affecting her gait and pace heavier,

Her wet clothes tangling her body sing in unison;

Reminding her of more chores at home.

Her black wet cascade hair dips droplets

Behind her foot prints, paving a pious way

Then the temple bell tolls, the tiny birds

Chirp waking ‘eir mother for food!

The first ray of Sun sparkles the Lotus in the pond!

An Old farmer milks his cows: And leaves his calf

For it’s share! Village wakes up to her anklet’s sound!

As she reaches back home.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 96

Water Craft

Hundreds’ folk stood by the dock paying

Adieu to their folk in gloom and calm.

Luxury Liner whistled, signalling the journey

Apace leaving a melancholy note behind.

It’s a large ship three tier: deports hundreds

From One port to other: She fawned to the

Deck to absorb the large stretched blue

Oceans beauty: Saline waters gushed behind

Ship duo borders of white foam with golden

Fish leaping above the foam in glee: The

Vast expanses of Blue waters are the sole

Companion to this metallic folk Vessel

Steel railing around the Ship rusted in saline

Waters: Neither the mountains, and trees nor

The horizon is in vicinity .The Sunny Sky

Above and deep saline water around one can

 See in day! New moon and star lit sky canopied

The mammoth ship at Night, filling delight in

Some hearts and loneliness in others: One

Who’s awake enjoys coolness of new moon:

The Vessel moves relentlessly carrying

Folk from one dock to other sans animosity

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 97

Wind beneath my wings

 Oh Horrendous Tornado!!

 Disappear and come back as a gentle breeze.

 I am everywhere, yet I am

Perceived differently in different forms

I open the Half-closed lips in pleasure,

And sway the leaves in glee.

 Whispering and sharing their ecstasy

When I touch them as a cool breeze!!!

When I blow as a gentle Wind,

Rustling leaves get helter and skelter

And the Peepal branches bend down and up.

Once I appear as Gusty, sometime as squall

Leaving my impact on human kind.

As a gale I howl and sprawl, may

It be noon or night: Toss as a tempest

And shake the Trees at the barks.

Before turning Cyclonic, I form

As Whirlwind to gather dry leaves around.

No one wants me to be a hurricane

Cause I cause more harm than good.

I drag the huts and bushes along

Animals and babies!!

As tornado when I am the worst !

I take all life and leave carcases around

And sadistically enjoy the loss of life and wealth!

Thus they pray for my disappearance

O’ Man stop cutting trees and hurting me

I will be as gentle as a breeze!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 98

The Wind

Suddenly the chimes tinkled softly, filling

My heart in glory; I chased through the

Door beneath the wind chimes gently

Caressing my locks of hair, to relish

The gentle wind between the Scorching Sun.

Mid-noon though, it’s the wind that soothed

Human folk outdoors and indoors alike.

Clattering and cluttering doors, are scary to all

As Wind isn’t gentle and soothing then!!

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 99

Paradise Regained

From an Oyster crept out

A tiny pretty pearl.

Too fragile to handle

Awaiting a true partner,

Looked around here and there,

Found him at last around the neck of a girl.

K.Lakshmi Rao

POEM - 100

Quest

A vagabond was searching for a true light;

But found himself amidst the electric lights

With all the Gild faces none their own.

All found to be Cadaverous.

Hmm sighed he! And rushed out quickly

To find a true light.

At last found a tiny little candle

In the corner of a hut,

Flickering and dripping

But burning bright

While turning the lass face as true as a light !!

K.Lakshmi Rao

             

POEM - 101

Barrier

The church bells tolled Six:

Awakening the maddening

Thought of parting with you.

Through the window saw I

The Ebb and Flow lamenting your departure!

Desired to walk on the shore..

To take solace in the Gurgling foam..

Hardly realizing, I’m Crippled!!

102     CONFUSION

I knelt before the caged beasts and the birds,

Offered then none but a smile:

A human like expression, in exchange

Is that I found,

As I proceeded from the den .

Oh ,I gave blood and  sweat to thee

O men …

You fret and fume at me in return?!

While feelings in beasts can we ken,

Where are these in men?

Beasts and birds ‘re thy friends you profess,

Then wherefore got you fiend?

K.Lakshmi Rao