Rainy days and limping legs
Unrequested rain
Made ponds around the streets
Both, rain water unable to enter the drainage,
We, unable to walk on the road, were limping
Blaming the politicians
To whom we cast our votes
With arrogance
Drainage water washes our legs, thinking
Do only sea waves have the authority to wash our legs
We pity the scavengers
Even in the heavy rain
Were cleaning the throat
Of the drainage blocked by our refusals
Shopping bags, empty tins, rugs, etcetera
Our secrets were disclosed
The refusals thrown into drains
Were the culprits who blocked the drainage
We were the bows who threw the arrows
Forgetting us, we blame the arrows
Until we realize that you and I have no right
To throw even a bus ticket on the road
You and I have to limp
Whenever it rains
- N. Najmul Hussain
Majority’s need
They need to live a life
Free of strife, violence and harassment
Full of compassion, kindness and empathy.
They don’t need unlimited privileges
But they need basic privileges
To enjoy a comfortable sleep.
They don’t need a life of a prince
But they need a life of a human
To live until nature summons them.
- Kumari Weerasooriya
Tell me, Mona Lisa…
Time: you know, a brakeless wagon;
Can’t be stopped even by a powerful weapon
It goes with its regular tick, tick, tick, tick
And when days are gone, none can again pick.
My world did shine with your smile
And with you, we did march many a mile
Through thorny, rocky, woods and meadows
Yet, often hopeful as your smile was a big force.
Like a beacon you did shed light to my journey
And helped me add meaning to my destiny
Though Time signals turning my hair gray,
Your smile, from my world, has not gone away.
Let summer be back to your happy journey
With health and happiness as it should be.
Yet, happier I’d be if you tell me the reason(s)
For your genuine smile in all seasons !
- A. Jayalath Basnagoda