POETRY

Life's Companions

Two score and more
On the sea of life
Traversing together
Scanning the terrain
Guiding our bark
With its precious cargo
Like Ulysses in his wanderings
Through sail-tearing, mast-rending storms
Detouring
When colossal projecting rocks
Loomed like monsters on the horizon
Mutiny on board
Becalmed
Yet gathering sail
You captain
Help-mate I
We struggled on!
Sometimes through tranquil waters
Glittering, sparkling, bubbling
With the enthusiasm
Of the warmth provoking sun
Short-lived serenity
And now weather-beaten
Suffering a sea change
Resting our weary ears
Off and on
A comforting clasp of our blistered hands
We glide on!
To the rosy sunset in the distance
Thankful Oh! So Thankful
To Divine Providence
For each other's comforting presence.

Jeannette CABRAAL

Too much of anything....

Troubles underwent, flying after your fragrance,
Desires mesmerized, at the touch of your softness,
Feelings aroused, at the sight of your attraction, and the
Frustration aggravated because of your flirtation,
have been inscribed indelibly
In my book of memories.....

Your thorns were so sharp
That my delicate wings torn apart
When non-stop bleeding wet my heart
I remember you rejoiced with no hurt

When mischievous wasps wrapped around you,
Shivering with fear, you looked blue,
Though sympathy towards you a bit grew,
I gave you a cold shoulder, sure it's true.

Floating in the wind, I displayed my flutter of wings,
Waving cheerfully, efflorescent twigs, mocked,
me in their swings,
Lustless desires in my veins, treated them
with cordial winks,
Pouring tears, I saw thee compensating your sins

Too much of pride, my conceited Rose,
Goes before one's fall
Too much of anger, my little princess,
Drives one into brawl
Too much of familiarity, my sweet comrade,
Breeds contempt in one's soul
Too much of anything, my "Forget me not,"
Deprives one, seeking goal

Sudath Jayatissa HEWAMADDUMA