In the Houseboat at Alleppey

                                                        

                      

                                                
                                              1)      Upon these calm backwaters here
                                                       Of calm Arabian sea so clear
                                                        So many colorful  house- boats glide
                                                        So many tourists thrilled by enchanting ride--
                                                        No stormy swing of roaring breakers seen
                                                        A stretch of sea dotted with islands green.

                                              2)      We stepped onto the boat , a little afraid
                                                        Never we spent much time by the ocean side
                                                        In fresh-painted colors like a beautiful bride
                                                        Our boat so spic and span with chambers wide
                                                       A floating wonder with all comforts found
                                                       My fears vanished anon as we left the ground.

                                             3)       Red juicy foaming welcome drink we had
                                                       Seated on cushioned chairs we felt so glad
                                                       Fresh sea-breeze touched our limbs with a sense of thrill
                                                       No dusty pollution our bosoms filled
                                                       With vibrant feeling we watched the scene
                                                       Of blue broad blue expanse with distant green.

                                           4)        With gentle swing and humming sound we drove;
                                                       Pretty islands with rows of coconut groves
                                                       And green bananas came into our view;
                                                       Pretty hamlets floating like emeralds amidst the waters blue
                                                       Rustic peasants and fisher men merrily greet
                                                       Offering fruits and fresh sea-food to eat.

                                          5)         Young lads raced in their boats with nimble strokes
                                                       Calling their mates loudly with sportive jokes:
                                                       In country boats the natives rowed along
                                                       Cheering each other with a merry song;
                                                       Hurling their fish-nets and patiently watch
                                                       Tugging  nets till they get their precious catch.

                                         6)          With effortless ease they rowed from place to place
                                                       Selling fruits, flowers and fish arranged in trays;
                                                       The pinch of poverty never dampened their hearts
                                                       They lived happily with whatever they got;
                                                       In them I found a close kinship with sea
                                                       Small kids too swimming like fish with merry glee.

                                         7)          With silky curtains and smooth wooden floor
                                                       The cosy chambers with painted panels and doors
                                                       Fine pictures of rustic dames caught our gaze
                                                       Young lovers playing in voluptuous ways
                                                       Fisher women like mermaids swim and stroll
                                                       Young dames pushing the boat with bamboo pole;
                                                   
                                         8)          Dusky tribal women bearing loads on their heads
                                                      Returning home at sunset with a weary tread
                                                      With full-blown hair the pretty lass enjoyed her swing
                                                      The pretty floral designs and birds on wing ;
                                                      The throb of coastal life caught in picturesque form
                                                      Revealing hard ways of life yet blest with freedom

                                         9)          Though few the crew on boat did service great
                                                      So prompt and neat, I don't exaggerate;
                                                      They made us feel at home in every way
                                                      They gave us all for a comfortable stay;
                                                      They drove the boat, served tasty food and swept
                                                      The floor and set the beds in a beautiful state.

                                        10)         Their homely dishes we never forget
                                                      So tasty and delightful to our palate;
                                                      In spite of meager means they seemed care-free
                                                      Never yearning for lazy luxury;
                                                      In their hard work they found true pleasure
                                                      In playing and singing they spent their leisure;
                                                                                                                                                                                                             
                                        11)        Our boat anchored as the sun began to set
                                                     A dim-lit cool stillness for us to rest
                                                     A chance to feel the touch of grassy ground
                                                     To watch the tiny huts with flowery creepers crowned
                                                     Cut off from town this far-flung hamlet, just
                                                     Beside the lake far from fever and fret.

                                       12)         Just like aliens in another sphere
                                                     Under the star-studded dark sky so clear
                                                     Gazing at the full-swollen moon we spent
                                                     A heavenly night, indeed, God-sent
                                                     In deepest slumber felt never before
                                                     In cosy chambers of the boat beside the shore.
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                                      13)         Youthful couples enjoyed their honey-moon trip
                                                     Lying on cushions in mutual warmest grip
                                                     Gazing at each other in surroundings calm
                                                     Loveliest moments of unforgettable charm
                                                     Unaware of mundane affairs and men
                                                     Sipping elixir of love like gods in heaven.

                                      14)         The rising sun gilded the lapping waves at dawn
                                                    Green fields and trees in dew-fresh colors shone
                                                    Unfolding Nature's beauty in glowing hue
                                                    In dancing shades of gold sparkled the waters blue
                                                    As flocks of birds floated like garlands with delight
                                                    Whirling around blue waters sunny bright.

                                      15)          A rejuvenating journey for us indeed
                                                     To catch the glimpse of true joy far from greed
                                                     To feel the throb of life-- Pure Nature's gift,
                                                     Simple yet wondrous without any rift;
                                                     Of mutual jealousy and discontented strife
                                                     And maddening rush unleashed by modern life.

                                      16)         True joy resides in simple natural things
                                                    No bragging intellect or knowledge brings
                                                    We found the sacred touch of God in Nature here
                                                    Far from worldly worries with a conscience clear;
                                                    Not a simple boat-ride this journey seems
                                                    True peace and joy felt here beyond our dreams.

                                                                   *****************         Somaseshu Gutala
                                    Note:                                                                   January,2013

                                        The stay in the house-boat at Alleppey in Kerala gave us a novel
                                         experience of viewing the scenic landscape from a moving boat. The 
                                        blue horizon and waters in clear contrast to solid green slopes on land
                                        enhances the beauty of the landscape. The people staying in islands
                                        carried on their routine work just like people on land, but the only 
                                        difference is that they travel by passenger boats from place to place. A
                                        close intimacy with sea waters is seen as they bravely drive their own
                                        boats even in twilight. The crew on the boat deserve all praise . To say in
                                       poetry, " Our earnest thanks to such praiseworthy crew/ In this greedy
                                       world we find such men--though few." The crew members, only three
                                      in number did all sorts of work and never gave any scope for complaint.
                                      One person with three missing fingers worked with zeal without showing
                                      any signs of despair. In spite of his physical deformity he impressed us
                                      with his earnest and courteous demeanor. It would be better to enjoy   
                                      one's own time without being distracted by modern gadgets with blaring                                           sounds. Of course one can take photos to store these lovely and memorable                                       moments which others will surely watch and enjoy.  

                                                            *************************************                                              
                                   
                         2nd February, 2013                                                   SOMASESHU GUTALA
                                                   
                                 

                                                   
                                           
               

The Green Leaf Haven

 

                                                               The Green Leaf Haven

                                          1)   Through dense green mango groves the pathway lies
                                                A cool resort for us, a feast for our eyes;
                                                The flowing stream beside, an added charm
                                                To this hermitage-like place so calm!
                                                Green fields and gardens spread around
                                                A meet haven for pilgrims without any sound
                                                Our feet have felt the touch of grass-green earth
                                                Soft rustling breeze  enhanced our mirth.

                                          2)   The wafting breeze from dense banana groves
                                                A festive look with clusters of  ripe yellow glows;
                                                With garden flowers sprung in painted earthen pots
                                                With hovering butter-flies with rain-bow spots;
                                                Serene surroundings so profusely green
                                                Refreshed our minds-- no noisy disturbing scene!
                                                Fine distant stretch of hills with sparkling blue
                                                Streams of flowing waters greeted our view!

                                        3)    Beside the cobbled walk a row of ethnic stalls
                                               Displaying hand-made figures and country dolls
                                               Brass idols shaped with fine-cut features
                                               Family art learnt without any teachers ;
                                               The foreign tourists flocked at once with craze
                                               To buy those artifacts with admiring gaze;
                                               Some clicked photos to capture their charm
                                               Conventional art molded in metallic form.

                                       4)   The broad-spread leaves of banana green
                                              On wooden square blocks neatly arranged seen
                                              As pilgrims washed their limbs and quietly sat
                                              Feeling refreshed on traditional mats;
                                              Tasty dishes in customary manner made
                                              Whetted their appetites in cooler shade;
                                              Not too many dishes of exotic taste
                                              But simple victuals served in green leaf-plates.

                                      5)    Amidst this green haven with devotional feel
                                             The tourists sat and enjoyed their meal
                                             Lush greenery suffused their bosoms full
                                             Absorbing peace from rippling waters cool;
                                             A sense of purity they felt around
                                             Long-forgotten blessings of God they found
                                             A sense of gratitude gushed from their swelling hearts
                                             They thanked Great Lord with deep-felt thoughts.

                                    6)     What expensive cafes provide such satiety
                                             With supreme soulful tranquility!
                                             A rare find for us this humble spot so plain
                                             Bereft of showy trappings hollow and vain
                                             So much edifying to our minds and hearts
                                             Our strain and worries quite we forgot;
                                             Endowed with new vision and rapturous mind
                                             We went out of Green Haven with feelings kind.
                     
                                                        **********************

             Note:  When we went to see some historic places and temples, we came across a very
                      calm residence tucked far away in the remote corner of an orchard with mango
                      and banana groves. To our surprise it was a restaurant with all required amenities.
                      Even many foreign tourists came there. They clicked photos and were much fasci-
                      nated  bthe lush greenery and calm surroundings of that scenic spot.There food was
                      served in  banana leaves in traditional style. The food was very simple yet very ape-
                      tising so  that not only our physical hunger but also our mind and heart were satia-
                      ted by the hermitage- like serene surroundings. I voiced my feelings just to give you
                      a feel of how even humble  places without any luxurious display we find true satis-
                      faction and mental peace.

                     24th December,2012                                                          SOMA GUTALA
                                           

                                         
                               
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Lines written on the Half Moon Bay

Halfmoon Bay Shore

   Halfmoon Bay is located near the coastal city of the same name at a distance of twenty-five miles south of San Francisco. Previously this bay was known as San Benito. One can reach this place along the State Route No.1(the Cabrillo Highway). This bay is well-known as a habitation for a variety of birds,marine creatures,plants and wild brushwood. All along the way one can experience the scenic beauty with pacific beaches on one side and the rocky terrain of hills dotted with trees and bushes on the other side..One can also enjoy the colourful spectacle of nurseries, orchards, strawberry farms and vine yards with spacious lawns where horses are bred and trained.

                                                 ===       ====    ====

                               1)         The brown grey hills with clustering trees

                                            With wild brushwood and fluffy reeds

                                            With mountain goats,deer and elks bluish grey

                                            All along the way to the beauteous bay.

                              2)           As squirrels nibble nuts with twinkling eyes
                                            As nimble hares rush out leaping surprise
                                            The long-tailed weasels burrow underground
                                            A dynamic display of life in forests found.

                              3)          A colorful flock of birds in sight
                                           The blue heron and pelicans bright
                                           The black ravens and mighty kites
                                            Eagerly waiting to grab their bite.

                              4)          A fabulous treasure of floating hues
                                           This bluish deep hides from our view
                                           The silver salmon,mackerel and pink shrimps swim
                                           In darker depths dolphins and grey whales grim.

                             5)          The bluish peaks of Santa Cruz appear
                                          Bordering the lapping waves so clear
                                          Fringed with red wood and lofty pine
                                          A secure shelter for creatures marine.

                            6)          So many pretty potted plants are seen
                                         Fine nurseries with enchanting green
                                         Passion-flowers with lilies white 
                                         With exotic hibiscus and orchids bright.
                   
                            7)         Full-blown roses in various shades
                                        Blue Iris and violets--a fashion parade!
                                        Thick-stemmed Cactus and ivy green
                                        A colorful fragrant spectrum seen. 

                            8)        The farms with various crops full-grown
                                        In autumnal brown  not yet mown
                                        Fields rich with berries,carrots and beet
                                        With kiwis,blue grapes and apples sweet.

                            9)        The Christmas Trees bedecked with co loured bells 
                                        Fine orchids and tulips cast a magic spell
                                        Red juicy pumpkins with swelling glow
                                        A feast indeed --Nature's captivating show!

                         10)         The leafy growth spreading far and wide
                                       On the marshy ground before the rising tide
                                       Bright hollyhocks and iris blue
                                       Amidst the green-a charming view!
                      
                        11)        As parents sit on the wooden log-seats
                                     To share with children cakes and sweets
                                     Beside the bed of dark green weeds
                                     Dotted with blooms like tiny beads.

                        12)       As children play with swinging ocean near
                                    Elders bounce back to their yesteryear
                                    Standing knee-deep in ripples that fold
                                    A creeping thrill in icy waters cold.
 
                        13)      Some bold youth seen surfing through seas        
                                   Tossing like leaves in stormy breeze
                                   Thrown off like shells onto the shore.
                                   By playful laughing waves that roar.

                        14)     Warming their bodies in golden light
                                  Some lie on soft bed before the swelling tide
                                  Some lads enjoy their horseback ride
                                  While others leapt and played by the ocean side.

                       15)     The splashing spray with dynamic swing
                                 With rhythmic motion the ocean swings
                                 A moving wonder majestic and free

                                My bosom springs with vibrant glee.

                      16)     The Half Moon Bay glistens in silver light

                                Of the rising moon--a thrilling sight!

                                The silky waves with bubbling glee

                                To swing and sing a dreamy lullaby!

                      17)    The jagged cliffs and distant dense woods

                               In cool fresh air the ocean broods

                               As evening darkens silent and strange

                               In weird gloom around the mountain range.

                             ==    ==   ==   ==
                                                                                                SOMA GUTALA
         22nd October, 2012       

                    

The Visions of Childhood

                                                         The Visions of Childhood

                      1)           He saw the luminous faces of fairy girls
                                    Floating through clouds of mother-of-pearl
                                    Over the starry boughs like glow-worms bright
                                    Scattering colorful showers- a heavenly sight;
                                    Absorbed in his musings like a fish under the deep
                                    A blissful state unlike our restless sleep;
                                    A pristine sense of purity nearer to heaven
                                    The child enjoys in worlds beyond our ken.

                      2)           Gargantuan monsters raging wild
                                    Quick-jerked his sleep and loudly cried
                                    With blood-shot bulging eyes and flaming hair
                                    Pouncing like snarling beasts as if to tear
                                    With sharp-curved fangs and projecting jaws
                                    With dreadful threatening dagger-like claws;
                                    A tangled maze of nightmares made him scream.
                                    Impact of distant past moulded in dreams?

                     3)            The fluttering wings with spotted colors agile
                                    Making tossing blossoms respond with fragrant smile;
                                    Swinging on branches monkeys display
                                    Cute acrobatic skills in playful way;
                                    Striped squirrels munching nuts and seeds
                                    With shining sable eyes like crystal beads:
                                    The throb of life he feels in soft cool green
                                    Pure sensations of innocence serene.

                    4)             Riding with joy upon his rocking steed
                                    His mind entered new realms with speed
                                    Unaware of distance he had covered
                                    New lands unseen his mind discovered
                                    The rolling wheel and leaping paper kite
                                    The whirling top and marbles-a merry sight!
                                    The leaping puppets and merry-go-round

                    5)             A horde of pleasures in everything he found.
                                    The steaming engine spouting clouds of smoke          
                                    Moving pistons and wheels with rhythmic stroke
                                    A running marvel on the gleaming steel
                                    A vibrant gush of speeding mirth to feel
                                    He wished to drive that gigantic wonder
                                    Carrying so many with roaring thunder
                                    Passing through different lands and bridges along
                                    Waving to people with shrill whistling song.

                   6)              The thrilling flight of whizzing bird in skies            :
                                    With broad spread wings and majestic rise
                                    From earth to sky with propelling speed
                                    Man's miraculous invention indeed
                                    Gliding through space with uninterrupted flow 
                                    Giving a painted picture of the earth below;
                                    On fancy's wings he wishes upward to ride
                                    Piloting the magic machine with pride.

                   7)              Deeply engrossed in worldly pretty charms
                                    He faintly remembered the celestial forms
                                    Dim images in slumber he revived
                                    Bygone events remote no more survived
                                    In childhood games and pleasures his senses glued
                                    Nature's treasures abundant his joys renewed
                                    Unaware of deeper complexities within
                                    Untouched by snares and deeper shades of sin.

                  8)               His selfless effulgence he felt undimmed by worry
                                    Retained those blissful moments of spotless glory
                                    Bonds of egoistic self though narrowed down
                                    Seeds of divinity one can't disown;
                                    His soul shines still though mild like sunny light
                                    Beaming through mist momentary flashes bright;
                                    Truth and innocence his simple nature reveals
                                    The heavenly visions of childhood still he feels.

                                                     ===   ====   ====
                                                                                                            SOMA GUTALA
                                                                                                            1st October, 2012

                             
                         
                          

                        .

                


               


                                        

                                                                                                  

                                
 
                             

                           
                                   
                                   

                               
                                     

                                         

     

A Rhapsody on Street Dogs

                             

                                                     A Rhapsody on Street Dogs

                                 1)   These weird unclaimed creatures --none calls them own
                                        They roam along the streets in the town
                                        No showy flourish of bands around their throats
                                        These goalless wanderers-- remote
                                        Far from homely pleasures move idle and vain
                                        Unnoticed strangers treated with disdain.

                               2)   Though they strive to sincerely share
                                      Responding with loud barks, none listens to care
                                      With spurning looks they shoo them off
                                      As useless nuisance they laugh to scoff
                                      No welcome notes for you rejected by all
                                      Debarred by status-- impregnable wall!

                               3)  They run with busy tread to show their zeal
                                     As people celebrate with sumptuous meals--
                                     With callous blows and unceremonious kicks
                                     Driven away they stand apart  and lick
                                     The morsels thrown by the luxurious lot
                                     No feeling for these poor creatures with hunger fraught !

                            4)    Self-styled sentinels of the street! you guard
                                    Us day and night though we disown and discard;
                                    Ignoring your selfless services as noisy nuisance
                                    Spoiling our sleep with restless disturbance;
                                    You do your duty with loud ringing barks
                                    At every knave and stranger in the dark.

                         5)     Some lucky creatures born of noble breed
                                  Well-known for figure,grace and speed
                                  Honored with collars pride themselves too great
                                  Avoid the stray brethren with snarling hate;
                                  Showpieces of status-- and just for bread
                                  Obey their masters' commands with slavish tread.

                      6)      With friendly fawning looks you beg for food
                                As people drive them off with curses rude
                                Still wagging your tails at courteous distance you stand
                                Hoping for remnants from charitable hands
                                Who cares for starving millions in this land?
                                Even of men-- where do these humble creatures stand?
     
                    7)        Naughty children chasing thee for pleasure
                                Ignorant of their your state beyond their measure
                                Hitting you lustily with stones and bricks
                                They play their pranks and cruel tricks
                                And as you limp with bleeding pain
                                They laugh aloud with heartless disdain!

                   8)        Being provoked some mongrels become insane
                               And bite the passers-by on the lane
                               A flood of fury surges on the streets
                               Dire vengeance and slaughter everywhere meets
                               Bundled together so many guiltless dogs
                               Whirled round by noose to be hurled into the carts.

                 9)         Stuffed like vile culprits caged inside the cart
                              Their innocent pleas not heard by human lot
                              Poisoned to death or by deadly prick
                              A nice humane way to exterminate the sick
                              In getting rid of the dogs-- they feel too glad
                              A menace to society they think--who's mad?

             10)         So many rotting dogs on highway struck
                            Crushed to death by fast moving cars and trucks;
                            Who is to blame? No time to think or spare
                            Unburied do they turn to dust, not fair!
                            Like old people bed-ridden uncared, they  die
                            A bitter truth from street-dogs to learn and sigh!

             11)        How Strange this society! A confusing maze!
                           Dogs deified as Anubis by the Egyptian race
                           Fabled as Cerberus by the Hellenic bards
                           Worshipped by Indians as the sacred hounds of God:
                           Yet treated by us in the most inhuman way;
                           If questioned by Heaven what should we say?

             12)      Their sordid state brought to my sympathizing heart
                          The pitiable plight of the poorer lot;
                          Abandoned to their fate and fatal disease
                          Who yearn for speedy death-their final release:
                          Are we true humans? Doubts assailed my mind--
                          Mere mechanical toys bereft of feelings kind. 

                                  ===       ====       =====                            
                
            
            18th September, 2012                                 Somaseshu Gutala


                References:

            a)    Anubis-- Egyptian god with dog's face presiding over the underworld.
            b)    Cerberus-- Three-headed dog guarding the underworld of Pluto, God
                     of the underworld in Greek mythology.
            c)    Sacred hounds-- Kalabhairava, the powerful aspect of Shiva,is shown
                    with four black hounds accompanying him. They represent f                                        sacred Vedas, epitome of Dharma or righteousness.