[POETRY]

Evening's calmness

Behind the undulating hill,
the last rim of the sinking sun,
emanates a glow over the range, still,
red, rosy, crimson colours combined.

In the balmy, coolness that flare,
sweet little birds of hues vivid,
Hurriedly fly here and there,
to fill themselves with a lowly dinner.

Their melodies in the fading sun,
far different from that of the morn,
In broods or pairs they have little sun.
before they nestle, heeding the gloom.

The declining sun still coquette,
the high sky in a fading glow,
Birds' high flyways already set,
they, to their abodes silently sail.

The busy surroundings in a flash
subtracted to a sombre charm
Though a coolness and a darkness lash
yet, scenery still entice the eye.

Sweet scented flowers, gone to rest,
sacred of the on-coming view
Trees with rustling leaves, high crest
stand like phantoms black and tall

The moon in a pale yellow colour
Appear in the western sky
Now, the night-birds carousel hover
With the thickening darkness around

The light diffused fades, by and by
woods become darker and darker
with a lazy calmness appearing nigh
convey thoughts of vicissitudes in life.

- Dayaseeli Senaratne

Thoughts in the cemetery

This is where my father and mother
Have left me and lived together
Whether they are happy without me
God only knows above me

Apart from my mother and father
There are thousands hereunder
They are still and like cold stones
With no movements, sound or tone

Cemetery is liked by none
And none comes here on her or his own
Near and dear bring them from home
Bury or cremate and then go home

This is the place that justice reigns
All are treated in the same plane
Rich and poor are evenly laid
With no fear or favour as all are dead!

The sinners are shaking in their graves
Fearing they are nearing hell's gates
Who were good in life when alive
Have no fear as they will attend sublime

Premature comers are large in number
For the crimes committed asunder
It is a lesson for those ground under
As nature punished and never blunder

- J. Nagodavithana

Dr Martin Luther King

Good day to you
Dr. Martin Luther King
I heard these words many years ago

Lincoln heard
When you said
I have a dream
That was long time ago

You loved them
When they
Hated you
You are the greatest

You dried off
Tear floods of
Little black roses

Good day to you
Dr. Martin Luther King
I heard these words many years ago

- Dr Ruwan M Jayatunge

An Ode

(In memory of President Ranasinghe Premadasa's 84th birth anniversary)

Glorious leader, remarkable unique politico
Powerful magnate among politicians
Noble qualities fiercely independent, great courage
Politician worthy of emulation
Unquestionable integrity, inspired by Buddhist principles
Endowed with rare creative abilities.

Yeoman service, persevering, outstanding
Punctuality, perfection, admirable qualities
Sterlin qualities yielding to reach desired heights
Adorable multi-faceted exemplary career
Symbol of commitment created prestigious global history

Embarked on many gorgeous ideas, spectacular contribution
A hero of nation, god-gifted brilliance
A legend in your lifetime earned
Memorable name, demeanor, virtuous attitude par excellence
Virile tone in verse and prose rhetoric terms, extempore eloquence
Audience marveled in pleasure

You are untimely sojourn great loss to much wanted nation
Each passing day we miss you beyond measure
May you born once more among our future generation
To make a peaceful united Sri Lanka
By virtue of myriad deeds performed in Samsara
May you attain Supreme Bliss of Nirvana

- Kumari Kumarasinghe Tennakoon

The ancient farmer

His vision of the future
Happily living with nature
The traditional cultivator
Wise ancient farmer

He grudged not to hard work and toil
Always beholden to the golden soil
Allowed the birds to have their fill
They gratefully left enough for the mill

He innovated suitable measure
And never killed for pleasure
His knowledge was a pride
Ergo no need for pesticide

Amidst the rows and rows of paddy
He planted sticks in plenty
On them inverted black clay pots
Painted white with large spots

The wise owls which see by night
To the white spots took flight
Comfortably settled on the pots
For their dinner the jackpots

Freely moving rats amidst the paddy
Little realised their jeopardy
The owls feasted on them
The wise farmer's idea a gem.

- S. Thambyrajah

I chased a mirage

Oh! what is that thing
called Love
that I forever despise.
Is it a sweet nectar,
that drives youth to insanity,
or a mysterious talisman
that possesses magical powers,
or a towering inferno
that makes their hearts
burn with desire,
and eventually to be embittered
by disappointment and frustration
sorrow and regret?

Throwing all caution to the wind,
I once chased it,
with great expectation
and bountiful hopes,
for a sublime wedded life
laced with romance
and eternal bliss.

But then,
despite fighting against heavy odds
chasing it,
I achieved nothing.
I'm back in square one.
What I've been chasing
all the time,
was a mere mirage!

- Sunanda Mahawela

A true friend!

A true friend
Will always be,
Loyal to thee
As he can be !

A true friend
Will always be,
Considerate to Thee
As he can be !

A true friend
Will always be,
Sincere to Thee
As he can be !

A true friend
Will never, ever,
Let you down
In Joy or sorrow!

A true friend
Is a friend,
Who'll always
Keep his word!

A true friend
Is a friend,
Whom thou can trust
In times of need!

A friend, a friend,
A true friend, is he,
If thou can depend
Upon him fully!

To Help thee along
Life's arduous pathway,
Like a beacon
Shining bright!

- C. Mohanlal de Mel

A whisper!

Whisper to my ear
not a word, but a sigh!
I am waiting my dear
Just to feel the warmth of your sigh.

It's not a melting dream
Pour down through fingers
to share my joy with love
you are always welcome.

- Malkanthi Gunathunge

On a sunny day

When winter comes your way
Spread a kiss this way
Come back home in May
On a spring day

My dear you say
Do you mean it any way?
Am I yours please say
Loved by you each and every day