The Poetry Marathon

Nestled in the snowclad Himalayas
The capital of Kubera(1), the celestial treasurer
Alakapuri the seat of riches.

Golden chariots with silver wheels slipping on
Roads paved with sandalwood veneers
Curbs studded with precious stones.

Celestial dames dressed gossamer silks
Peeping out of mansions built with multicolor marbles
And twinkling diamonds shine like sequins on a blue chiffon.

Dark blue lakes and lotus ponds
Simmering in sunshine issuing rainbows
This marvel of a city indeed a jewel in the crown.

____________

1.  Yakshas are mischievous nature spirits, somewhat akin to elves.
2.  Kubera is the Lord of the Yakshas, elder brother of Ravana

Stranded in desert
Summer sun bearing down hard
WOW, Oasis, what joy!

The faithful sentinels of Lord Vishnu(1) Jaya and Vijaya/
Once when guarding his chamber denied entry to four wise rishis(2)./
Enraged the wise men damned them to human incarnation/

Moved by the repentance of the delinquents/
Rishis offered redemption after seven births as Lord’s servants/
Or after three as monstrous enemies of the Lord.
Devoted as they were to their master they chose to be villains and faster return thereby.

As three sets of villains(3) in three eons did they vigorously oppose Vishnu/
Slayed each time by the very hands of their revered savant/                                          Finally in the dwapara yuga did they return to their abode.

Resplendent after their baptism by fire
Restored to their past glory
Thus were the monsters redeemed.

Notes:

1. Vishnu, one of the Hindu Trinity along with Brahma and Vishnu.

2. Ever youthful sages, Sanaka kumara, Sanatana kumara, Sanandana kumara and Sanat kumara
3.a) Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakasipu in the Satya yuga (eon)
b) Ravana and Kumbakarna in Treta yuga
c) Sishupala and Dantavaktra in Dwapara yuga

All my life I have been a bee of endless activity/
Never was there a miniscule period of passivity/
As I child turned over, crawled, walked in no time/
Grew up to be an adult as clocks endlessly did chime.

Got onto a hamsters wheel pedaling without an end/
Ignoring the desperate pleas that my near and dear did send/
Money money was the only mantra that I chanted/
Didn’t stop even when I had all that I ever wanted.

I have now grown old, feeble and tired/
My neurons suddenly seem to be differently wired/
My life been a long course of studies with little knowing/
Now my inner soul, after serious contemplation, tell me, ” where am I going?”

• Well ripened banana peeled and split in halves

Placed on either shores of a plastic boat

In between are placed three scoopfuls

Of mouth-watering icecream

Strawberry with maple syrup topped with maple nuts

Pistachio with caramel sauce and sprinkles

Chocolate with chocolate sauce and Brazil nuts

Oh, that brings my salivary glands into feverish activity

Alas! I am an incurable diabetic!!

Crow and the fox

Old lady was frying vadas(1) in the open
Crispy, golden brown makes your mouth water
Hungry as she was, a crow dived down like a bomber
The best looking vada it snatched
Settling on the boughs of a mango tree
The treat she began to savor ever so slowly.
Down came a sly fox with evil designs on the vada
” Oh you beautiful crow!
Surely your voice is as great as your person
Sing a song for me you nightingale”
Thought the fox, ” the moron would open her mouth
Down on the floor will be the vada
Oh , the taste I will enjoy does give goosebumps all over”
A confused look did the crow sport on her face
Hopped left and right on the bough
A thoughtful frown filled her eyes
Ever so carefully did she balance the vada on the bough
And sang thus, ” hear this mournful melody you silly fox
Smart and half are you
Alas! I am smarter than you!”
The fox slunk away with the tail between his legs
________
1. Vada – deep fried, donut-like savory made with lentil and spices, originated in South India, popular now all over.

1. Have forever been weak in physique
   Could nev’r complete hundred meters dash
   Not to speak of long distance running
   But I feel mentally strong
   My muse is awake 24/7
   Sure she will prod me when I fall behind
   So, Poetry Marathon, here I come!

I am 70 year old pharmaceutical  scientist living in Hyderabad, India. I retired from active research just months ago.

I have been addicted to reading from a very tender age. Soon graduated to creative writing in English as well as my native language  Tamil.

My academic and professional career did not leave me much time to indulge in my passion. Now that I have time on my hand, I am very active on several Facebook platforms. I have written poetry and short stories. My work has been well received by my fellow writers and judges of the online contests.

This has given me confidence  to undertake this tough challenge. Counting on the support of fellow participants

Glad to be a part of this event