Catapult-W

I don’t know how, why and from where I got the idea of catapult
One reason I can think of now is, I got all the parts free of cost.
From branches of any of the tree could easily get forked stick first
From the bicycle of my dad’s burst tube I got rubber band for it.

Now as for the stones, they were available a-plenty on the sea
I along with my friends used to play with the catapult with glee. 
With people watching our game, used to shoot on the seashore
Someone would come and asked us, “Can’t you shoot farther?”

One day while returning home, we stopped at a tree with berries
And started shooting the berries as we were all full of frolics.
All of a sudden a bird fell down, fluttered its wings with pain,
Many collected the berries, stuffed into their pockets and gone.

One of my best friend said, Wait I am coming back with water
Returned with a glass of water, sprinkled on the bird with care.
The birdie soon was on its feet, walked and flew away later.
We made for the home, though somewhat sad but cooler.

Next day incidentally the language teacher read a poem of *Kalapi
“O birdie, eat happily, sing your songs, I wouldn’t afflict injury”.
Next day I nailed the catapult into the back of my home’s door
I found the catapult there, when I visited my house last summer.

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*Regional Poet of India of 19th century having many similar life and work as John Keats.
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Fourth place winner in:
Contest: Toyland sponsored by Linda-marie, sweetheart of PS
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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12
Pettit Avatar
January 5, 2011 at 5:00 PM
Congratulations on having your poem chosen to be among the best. You did a fine job here.
Brown Avatar
January 5, 2011 at 4:53 AM
Congratulations Dr. Ram on your win in the "Toyland" contest by Linda-Marie. Love, Carol
Beck Avatar
January 4, 2011 at 7:27 AM
many congratulatins Dr Ram on your deserved win....i share these feelings about catapult and bird....very similar situation when I was a kid.....sincerely Syd
Villarosa Avatar
January 4, 2011 at 6:18 AM
Congratulations, Dr. Ram on your best winning on this contest of Linda-Marie. Enjoyed reading a childhood adventure. (^_^) Noel.
Duffin Avatar
January 4, 2011 at 4:27 AM
Hi Dr Ram. Congratulations on your result in the contest with this great piece. A thoroughly deserved success. I have a catapult (in Ireland we call it a ' Gallybander) in my workshop. 46 years since it was used. My wife says.' throw that old thing away'. I don't know why but I can not. Must get her to read this. Eamon
Onclaud Avatar
January 4, 2011 at 3:27 AM
what a treat! applause to you on your win, dr metha :) nette
Dietrich Avatar
January 3, 2011 at 9:58 PM
I sure remember this one, Dr. Ram. So glad to see you scored high with it, and THANK YOU for my big win in your wreath contest. You made my day! Luv, Andrea
Mannan Avatar
January 3, 2011 at 8:13 PM
Many congratulations for this success. Knew this was a winner.
La France Avatar
January 3, 2011 at 6:29 PM
Wow, this is an amazing glimpse at life, a lesson for a young boy, well done.. and congrats on your win in Linda's contest~~
Guzzi Avatar
January 3, 2011 at 5:25 PM
So interesting, as an adult I was introduced to toy catapults, what fun lobbing cheese bits and dried peas across the room at King's banquets LOL [one time we hit the play Queen! She charged over and said..I WANT one!] Fine win, thanks for the memories! Light & Love
Sweetheart Avatar
January 3, 2011 at 5:05 PM
Congrats Dr. Ram on your success in my Toyland contest... my winners list just posted tonight luv...
Sweetheart Avatar
December 29, 2010 at 7:40 PM
Congrats Dr. Ram on your 4th place win in my "TOYLAND" contest .. a super entry ... see my blog on the winners posted as the Soup system is not yet ready to show the 2011 contest winners for any of us sponsoring contests for the New Year ..luv..
Cox Avatar
December 29, 2010 at 3:59 AM
Cause and effect...would it not be nice if it was effect and cause? Then there could be no accidents. Do you reside in India? My wife's family is from Nungal I think that is spelled correctly.
Maverick Avatar
December 28, 2010 at 3:56 PM
surely there are wheels within wheels Dr Ram, this seems like a wheel of life itself.
Kendrick Avatar
December 25, 2010 at 12:40 PM
Dr. Ram, good luck in the contest with this reminisc of childhood toy...Reads like a sure winner to me..Little boys can do some wild things with sling shots, BB guns.etc..The thing unusual is those that were distressed by the injured the bird and tried to help him..Then you putting your weapon where you would no longer use it...This says so much about your gentle nature..Delighted that you stopped by my work..Sara
Rucker Avatar
December 25, 2010 at 3:34 AM
In our youth, exuberance can overtake common sense. I did some similar things, and can identify, your poem remind me of them, thank you. Also, thank you for all of your kind comments.
Dietrich Avatar
December 23, 2010 at 6:38 AM
wow, this is a very interesting entry, Dr.Ram and with a deep meaning behind the meaning of a mere toy. WEll done, sir! Luv, Andrea
Knop Avatar
December 23, 2010 at 3:46 AM
Hi Dr. Ram. I enjoyed this tale from your childhood and it reminds me álso to mine. We didn't use catapults but bows and arrows and an air gun. Great that you found back to your childhood memories when visiting your house. Best of luck for the contest!
Neels Avatar
December 22, 2010 at 8:52 PM
A beautiful tale and entry for the contest Dr. Ram.. All the best for Linda's contest ;)
Martin Avatar
December 22, 2010 at 6:33 PM
verry well written i love the story behind it too so like kids to romp and have fun doing something that might not be good to do till it is to late but least you learned stones and berries can hurt and stopped that was good thank you on the comment on my pome Jay please read some more and let me know what i could do to improve my writing thank you
Kaabour Avatar
December 22, 2010 at 2:07 PM
One of your best writes I must say, have a wonderful new year Dr. Ram Mehta :) God bless you and your family - Your friend in poetry, Maya Kaabour *
Solomon Avatar
December 22, 2010 at 7:28 AM
Beautiful and innocent just like a childhood
Poet Avatar
December 22, 2010 at 4:27 AM
Well Dr.Mehta this is wonderful.It reminded me my childhood days.
Mannan Avatar
December 22, 2010 at 2:38 AM
This is one superb entry my friend,Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to you and yours.
Henderson Avatar
December 21, 2010 at 9:27 PM
A very nice poem, Dr. Ram. I learned the same lesson with an "official Daisy BB gun" the kind that will shoot your eye out" as is portreyed in the Christmas movie. I shot and killed a sparrow of some kind, I think. It was yellow breasted and very limp. I was quite distraught and never aimed at anything live again. Even though I won sharp shooter medals in college. I have never forgotton and do not fail to pass the message on to my grand children.
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