Friday, March 27, 2026

I like the Raucous Sounds of the Raven

 

                  

                                


               

 1          The raucous sounds of the raven I prefer

Rather than the pigeons’ monotonous murmur

A flock of pigeons landed there on the lawn

Like multi-patterned mosaic pebbles on the shore

Just like you, I liked those pretty creatures more;

Dotting the green with white, black and shiny grey

They pecked the grains in their own peculiar way

When I threw a handful of grains from my tray;

They flitted fast as if to express their delight

Who will not feel happy at such a joyful sight?

Like pretty kids with toffees at a birthday feast

Coming out with funny caps and pretty return gifts.

They won’t stop there; in the nooks and corners they sit

And go on moaning, moaning without limit;

As of someone cheated them and fled away

Vexed with their monotonous sound I shoo them away;

My balcony floor with their droppings they spoil

No use even if I hang a bright sheet of tin foil;

With their incessant mourning tone I get upset

Often, I drive them away; yet still they come and fret.


                                   (I I )

 

Unlike these pretty birds, the raven comes at once

Picks his bite and goes away without nuisance;

I keep a morsel of rice or a piece of bread

On the wall, he grabs and asks for more without dread

When I wave off, without complaint he goes away;

Croaking thanks in his own peculiar way.

No more whining or lingering with begging eyes

He struts and with a merry leap, flies to the skies.

He is too punctual and he comes on the dot

Fluttering his wings to take his food to the same spot;

Announcing his arrival with a raucous cry

As if to ask why delay in food supply?

The flock of pigeons waiting there, with ease he scares

In his presence the tizzy pigeons will not dare

To come, but stand afar and helplessly stare

With dark red eyes as if to say it is not fair.

At the dark intruder who picks his food and pricks

With his sharp, sturdy beak and kicks

The poor pigeons far away from his way;

Once his food done, he leaves and will not stay.

Though rough and raucous ravens never irritate

They grab their bite and fly away swift and straight.

While pigeons linger and endlessly complain

Like stubborn school-going kids who whine and whine;

The ravens seem to be simple and straightforward

Their early wake-up call and time-sense we applaud;

That is why I like the raucous sounds of ravens more

Than the moaning pigeons near my balcony door.

                  &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Note: Tizzy means nervous excitement, confused state.

   27th March 2026             Somaseshu Gutala

 

 

 

 

 

 

No comments:

Post a Comment