Why did that lamp lose its light?
Your thoughts taking fancy flight,
I kept it burning all night….
Why should a fresh flower die?
Pressed close to my bosom nigh,
Bare could it breathe, nor yet sigh….
What made such a river dead?
Selfish need, growing greed led
Men to build bunds on its bed.…
What snapped the string of sitar?
Tuning tight to my tune’s par,
I tensed it far oh too far….
The extreme ends oh of life,
Yon at excess dwells all strife,
Life’s to walk on edge of knife.
__________________________________
Musings |12.08.2021|
Poet’s Note: Based on lyricist Gulzar’s Hindi version, Which, I understand was inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s Bengali poem. Life sometimes poses very delicate questions. It cries out for freedom and fresh air, which often we fail to let it. We constrict it, stretch it too much. Naturally, the string of life snaps, and its delicate melodious tune gets lost.
Both strings
Soul wings
A strum
A hum
Both wound
Sweet sound
A pick
In sync.
18.12.2020
‘FOOTLE-me Poetry Contest’
We have a mild start to winter so far
So much better for driving the family car
No skidding off the road
No need to be towed
Even throw snowballs while playing my sitar
Exotic perfumes opulent
Hibiscus and jasmine sentient
Charming flute and sitar entice
Indian chants undulating
Heads pivoting eyes inviting
Warm smiles reminiscent of spice
Voices that throw you in a trance
In a most voluptuous dance
Timing of twirling so precise
Long black waves of ebony hair
Swaying through the sumptuous air
Sweet frangipanis caressed thrice
Exotic perfumes opulent
Most seductive graceful movement
Colorful sari paradise
Hand caresses so alluring
Romantic moves hypnotizing
Expressive beguiling eyes slice
Through melodic extravagance
Beckoning magic’s elegance
Playing on heart strings that suffice
Such flair as spry as pure prayer
Let your soul embark if you dare
Swirls of sensuous bounty twice
Hibiscus and jasmine sentient
Charming flute and sitar entice
Exotic perfumes opulent
Published in my 24-page photo/anthology ~NAMASTE~ 2020
AP: 3rd place 2020, Honorable Mention 2021
Submitted on April 29, 2020 for contest STRAND PICK H sponsored by BRIAN STRAND - RANKED 3RD
So many times I've wished on a star
Still not rich, it ain't working so far
Perhaps if I cheat
And offer a treat
Like a girl star to cuddle while I play my sitar
© Jack Ellison 2015
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