Life’s journey
When born into this world according to destiny
You come crying, helpless and you are so tiny
From day one when you see the light
Parents work tirelessly with all their might
They long to see the newborn babe’s face
This will be the first step in their race
Infancy is that which captivates their first interest
Then they do begin their effort earnest
Good childcare providing the very best
Is reflected in their boundless energy and zest
They work hard to give you a smart start
To position you for success in adult life
Development stages are catered to carefully
While they stick to firm advice thoroughly
Then comes the time to pay their attention
More than anything else to your education
To turn you into good citizens is their right
Encouraging you for a future bright
Then the development of character and personality
Through which the parental link will open the opportunity
At the same time instilling moral and ethical values
Hoping to direct you to the correct venues
Then comes the traditional academic journey
Where a strong knowledge base has to be developed
Further, the parents encourage you in other capacities
Here the journey is heavily influenced by parents’ abilities
Now knowledge-centered employment remains important
For which they will have to give their full support
Then comes the most vital – the marriage
To put you safe and sound in a carriage
Not driven by white horses
But by valued moral forces
Now their commitment is to deliver dire family needs
Because you still need parental help for future family speed
- Rupa Banduwardena
Remembrance Day
Shouldering kaki bags, holding water bottles and flowers
Sagging faces of old age dulled by dried up tears
Their eyes sunken, their skin puckered with hollow cheeks.
In their yellowish white dresses, exhausted with
Travelling in long sleeplessness and hunger
In pensive mood despite the scorching sun
Their feeble bodies wet with perspiration…..
In the makeshift tent they are awaiting the moment.
Drums beat, bugles sound and white flags rend the air.
Then the beloveds of late officers good looking and well dressed,
Lay wreaths on the pedestal which uniformed men bring
After them and salute their dead heroes.
Finally, the expected moment of the exhausted is announced
And the sorrowful move to the war memorial
Streams of warm tears overflow the sockets
Of the old and feeble whose youthful soldier sons,
The wealth of their lives and means of their bread
Who gave up life for all and sundry,
Search for the tiny space on the polished inscription
Of the tall memorial for the name of their irreparable loss
Wiping tears from their glazed eyes struggling helplessly
Alongside sobs and paroxysms of grief.
And the lucky ones who trace the tiny space
Touch it as if it were the youthful face of their son,
Feel it and get lost in thought
Memories and more memories,
Tears overflowing, limbs sagging, mouths muttering
Words of love, affection and helplessness
Communing to the dead what dying alive is.
- Chandana Ruwan Jayanetti
Epiphany
Left with a pale flower one day
I struggled with restlessness over me
Even the twinkling stars were blocked away
And the darkness gobbled up the sea.
Knowing from whom the flower was sent
But not knowing why pale
With confusion my heart bent
And scrutinizes began to wail.
Darkness dominated, sweat poured
Sadness brightened and the flower glanced
Reflections rushed on a perpetual road
On a floor of desperation I danced
How is a pale flower full of love?
The petals were a disgusting brown
And a putrid dampness above
Why? Must I wear it as a crown?
My eyes filled with disappointment
And heart with adamant ache
Is not my love sufficient?
Huge sacrifices I make.
Fingers of fury ripped a petal
Another and another again
Fended, nails of thick metal
While tears of torment summoned rain
A sudden stop and I struggled to see
And the race my heart tried to win
Is it actually what it could be?
I assume my mind gave a grin.
Millions of filaments stood with perfection
Around a center of smooth solidity
I was dying with suffocation
And now alteration touches my mentality.
Tears began drying up
Blood decided to run slow
Hit with clarity and a gulp
My feet finally felt the floor
Fingers of doubt but a vague comprehension
Ran through the statues of love
The balmy bodies bestowed satisfaction
And I know he did not violate his vow.
- Thepuli Punarjeewa