Ode on Scarcity

                   

             

          

                   

 1.    Waiting and waiting in endless queues

Years and years wasted without any use;

 Hoping for food in agonized suspense;

 As scarcity looms in proportions immense

 With limited resources and hoarding ways

 The common citizen’s life – a daily race.

 

2.    With shooting prices and taxes high

What can one do, too horrible to sigh;

The promises made dissolve in vain

A degrading state, a shameful stain;

With ever growing population rate

What growth can vie, a worsening state.

 

3.    Under the grip of ruthless corruption

The rich and mighty thrive; no ration

For them, no shortage, no threatening sound;

They roll in luxuries nowhere else found;

Coupled with poverty and scarcity dire

Adulteration rages like forest fire.

 

4.    Who questions whom? A vicious circle indeed

None takes the blame; none helps our needs;

None tries to stop the ills that feed on men;

Problems prosper like worms in a fen;

While other nations grow with earnest work

We slink in dishonest ways and duties shirk.

 

5.    Oh, thriving superpowers and states!

Think of us, your fellow-creatures’ fates;

Is it your culture to ravish Nature

Till man degrades himself to a devilish creature?

Beware of Nature’s rule and mighty force

Bring not on all irretrievable woes.

 

6.    What wealth can shape our Nature again?

What dollars can reduce the dying pain?

What riches can repair our polluted air?

What power can set right our state unfair?

Think of your neighbors’ fate ere it is too late;

Nature’s gifts let us not overuse or waste.

 

7.    Oh, richest raving men of power and greed!

For pomp and show, waste not resources and wealth;

Don’t throw away food on which dogs and beggars feed

With gold we can’t get back lost food and health

Let temperate means prevail and kindness reign

Let us fight against scarcity and starving pain.

‘

8.    Till we cut down our wastage and pleasures much

We have to languish waiting in queues as such

Let us not overconsume with selfish lust;

By mutual help and understanding we must

Make this, a planet for all to dwell.

Not a risky, polluted devastating hell.

       Postscript:

        Oh, developed citizens of this mighty earth!

        Waste not, want not, if not face death

        Like primitive dinosaurs, a gradual death;

        Mere luxuries won’t ennoble a human beast;

        Think of starving millions, relent at least.

                       **********************

  A Note on Scarcity:

 

Abnormal and excessive use of resources result in scarcity as there is a limited availability of resources on this planet. Even products manufactured by man have limits and must be used wisely for the welfare and safety of present and future generations also. There is a close connection between scarcity of resources and endangered environment and climate change. The main causes for scarcity are : rapid population growth, natural disasters, shortage of storage facilities, over consumption, wastage, Pollution and exploitation of natural resources, impending wars, scientic experiments that are harmful to Nature and mankind, blackmarketeering, lack of financial support, lack of proper use of scientific methods and proper monitoring and corruption in all fields. So proper steps should be taken by all nations to save this earth and all living creatures from the impending disaster.

According to reports nearly 78 million people faced hunger in 2022 and by 2030 it may go up to six hundred million. Food scarcity is caused by drought, floods, indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, industrial pollution of water and soil coupled with wastage of food. In global hunger index India ranked 107 among 126 countries. More than 43% of children in our country are undernourished. Nearly 68 million tons of food is wasted annually in Indian homes. Next to China, India comes second in household wastage of food though we worship food as the sacred form of God. Overconsumption of resources causes scarcity in the world. The largest consumer nations are U.S., China, Japan, Germany and U.K. In India 125 million liters of water is wasted daily, that is 45 liters by one person every day. China, U.S. Brazil and Russia are the largest producers of water waste. 

The emission of poisonous gases by industries, auto mobiles, gadgets and burning of fossils and waste matter causes air pollution. China, U.S. India, Russia, Japan, Germany, Iran, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are largest producers of carbon emissions. As regards plastic pollution India, China, Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, U.k. Thailand and Egypt are some of the countries which cause damage to our surroundings to a large extent. Even in small countries like Finland, Estonia, Bulgaria plastic pollution is assuming alarming proportions. Unless we take remedial measures the prospects of scarcity will lead to starvation deaths and pose a grave risk to ultimate survival of mankind and other living creatures as well.

 We should not misuse and overconsume available resources. We should check wastage and recycle the wastage items. Safety measures should be taken up in industrial sector to prevent pollution. Green technology to preserve our natural surroundings should be adopted. We should change our living style and lead a simple life without vain luxuries and wastage of resources. The outbreak of wars and production of nuclear weapons poses another grave danger to our world. We should reduce overuse of chemicals and follow organic methods in production. Nonconventional methods should be adopted in energy sector like wind, water and solar energy.

As per Paris Agreement (2005), the global warming has to be kept under control below 1.5 centigrade and emissions have to be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. In G20 summit held on September 9^th 2023, Sri Narendra Modi assured the nations that carbon emissions will be brought down to zero level in India by 2070 if adequate funds are provided by developed nations. Let us hope that all nations will strive to make our world a safer and clean place for the survival of all living beings.

As Gandhi aptly said we should think about others and live a contented and peaceful life.  “The earth has enough resources to meet the needs of all but not enough to satisfy the greed of even one person.”

“If you exhaust natural resources, there will be nothing left for your children.” 

                   ***************************

           24th November, 2023          Somaseshu Gutala

The Song of an African Slave

                 

                                                 

                                                         

1.                                                                               I live like a log

                                I live like a dog;

                                Without freedom’s breath

                                This life is worse than death.

 

2.                                                                            Is God colored or white?

                                He made the day as well as night;

                                But man with his brutal might

                                Killed freedom, God-given right.

 

3.                                  You raped our mothers

                               You killed our brothers.

                               You looted our palm- huts

                               You made us lick your dust.

 

4.                                                                        You seized our land in stealth

                              You plundered our land and wealth;

                              You whipped us to obey your rules.

                              You used us like lifeless tools.

 

5.                                                                     Our work and toil you need

                             We sweat to death unfreed;

                             You beat us blue and black

                             Our life—a jig-jag track. 

 

6.                                                                     We breathe same air like you

                             We eat and drink like you

                             We love and talk like you

                             We live and die like you.

 

7.                                                                    When will we see our land?

                             Palm-trees and flowers bland

                             The sounds of drum and horn

                             The roots and sweet-smelling corn?

 

8.                                                                    In Nature’s lap we are born free

                             We worship each bird, beast and tree.

                             Can’t you treat well your fellowman?

                             Who works for you, white man?

 

9.                                Too long we lived in misery

                             Don’t drive us mad with fury;

                             No more can we live in death

                             For rights we fight till our last breath;

 

 10.                     Black clouds with lightning burst

                           Chains break and power curst

                           Will crumble to wretched dust

                           For freedom till death fight we must.

                               **********************

      17th November, 2023                      Soma Seshu Gutala

   

 

   

 

 

     

 

A Birthday poem

 

                                    

     1.     Like a lamp scattering radiance around

         You drive away darkness profound;

         Like a star with sparkling festive light

         You ever remain positive and bright;

         Your presence instils hope and trust;

         Our sulky feelings blow away like dust.       

        

  2.   Right from childhood you showed your intelligence;

        You loved to study well and did hard work immense;

        You made everyone happy with cheerful looks

        You honed new skills and read so many books;

        You mingled happily with others and felt free

        No noisy quarrels but always making peace.

 

 3.     An active part in competitive tests

         You took; in cultural contests you did your best.

         From all teachers you earned good name

         But never turned proud but remained the same.

         Your convincing words and encouraging style

         Drive away our doubts and make us smile;

 

   4.   So many medals and compliments you won

         That shows your worth and dedication.

         Your earnest, loving attitude your words reveal

         A happy togetherness with you all feel;

         By earnest efforts in career, you rise

         Upgrading your skills with proficiency, no surprise.

 

   5.   Facing problems never made thee lose heart

         You acted wisely with vision and forethought;

         A steady, planned approach ever you maintain

         You express your views to others without causing pain; 

         Angry words and frowining looks never made thee fret  

         You pacify others with cool and calm mind-set.

 

   6.  Hard work, patience and unyielding will

        Made the improve your talents and skill;      

        Your life-companion gives you good guidance

        We commend his support and concern immense;

        This star-lit night with sparkling glow

        Your birthday celebration with jubilant show;

 

  7.   This sky like a dark chocolate iced cake seems

         With starry candles’ radiant beams.

         The star-studded night dazzles like heaven

         Blessing you with bright future, joy and fun.

         We wish you both a harmonious and joyful life

         Accomplishing your goals without much strife.

                        ********************** 

  (Dedicated to my dear daughter G.N.S. who was born on Diwali)

            12th November, 2023             Somaseshu Gutala

                                                                                                     

  

     

    
  
  

     

 

                                                      

                                                                      

 

 

       

        

 

         

MOVING IN CIRCLES

 

     

                      

1          We seem to move in circles round and round

 We are transfixed into a rigid routine;

 A monotonous schedule, a dreary scene;

 New ways, new horizons still not found;

 

2           Yet like caged beasts a crazy smile we wear

Struggling within, in confounding circles;

Expecting escape as if by miracles.

Iron-curtained reality too sturdy to tear.

 

3             Same sunrise, same workout and surroundings same

Our hearts flutter in vain to rush forth and behold

The elusive heavenly realms of gold.

Life seems an endless repetitive game.

 

4            Tethered to earthly desires, we ignore

The final destination and true goal;

In worldly deeds our days rush, roll and roll

We never spare some time to break through the door. 

 

5            Years slip away like grains of sand

Like fading shadows as our days decline;

Still fettered to illusion of “mine”

We miss the vision and our promised land. 

 

6            We feel too lazy to hone our skills

In routine fleeting things we try to spend;

Our inner flaws we scarce notice and mend

In status-ridden turmoil our time we kill.

 

7             Our discerning mind is caught in the hypnotic veil

We find no time to see the stars above;

The messengers of peace, hope and love

The kindred touch of earth we never feel.

 

8            Our talents wear away in daily grind

Like ebbing waves our stamina sinks;

We haven’t untangled our self-made links;

The dark shadows dim our senses and mind.

9.        Riding on wooden horses with ignorant zeal

      Buried in worldly woes we lose;

       Our instincts and lifeless machines we choose

       In worldly tensions, the inner bliss we never feel.

 

10.      We can’t undo our destined ordeals and delays;

Yet change our attitude with hope and trust;

And find new means and improve our skills we must;

Let us not act in haste and spoil our numbered days.

 

11.      We are not masters of destiny as we suppose

Yet plan our life with noble purpose and goal;

We have to find true essence in the dreary roll

Of days and break through this darkness morose. 

 

12.     Though our progress seems too tiresome and slow

Little acts of kindness expand our shrinking mind;

In our surroundings ineffable bliss, we may find

Glimpses of true freedom from this unending flow.

             ************************

2nd November, 2023            Somaseshu Gutala

Note: 

a) Moving in circles -- means  "seem very busy without 

achieving anything.

b)  Promised Land -- A place where one expects to find

freedom and great happiness.

 

 

 

               

      

        

         

       
        

        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Song of a duck

 

                   

1.                                         I am a common duck

                 A creature of simple luck

                Though white, not a swan

                To fly through breezy dawn.

                I can’t walk swift like a fawn

               Across the dew-decked lawn.

 

2.                                This marshy pond, my place

             No ethereal cloudy ways

             This humble state, I sigh

             Yes, hard to please, I know not why.

             People may mock my gait and wit

             A wild goose chase, I lazily sit.

 

3.                             This dark-green moss

           These white blooms bland

           This wavy toss

           This sylvan land

           I glide with ease

          What more can please?

 

4.                          I am a common fowl

         Life is not a sugary bowl

         Life, a game both sad and gay

         I have my own role to play.

        Though people say “lucky Duck”

        I may not have much push and pluck.

 

5.                 I live as I am made

      As nature’s child I wade

      Through water under the shades

      Ducked out, don’t stay behind;

      Be content and be kind;

      I give my little mite

     This life, God-given light.

     ***********************

23rd October, 2023                    Somaseshu Gutala

           

A Note on William Carlos Williams’ Poem---“The Yachts”

 

       

   

This poem was published in volume I of the “The Collected Poems” (1909-1939). In this poem the poet made a scathing attack on the capitalist system in U.S. during the great depression (1930’s). This poem is an eleven-stanza poem that is divided into tercets or sets of three lines written in free verse without any specific rhyme scheme or metrical pattern.

In the first two stanzas the mighty destructive and uncontrollable power of the ocean is described.  Personification plays a major role in this poem. The yachts are almost shown as alive. The yachts symbolize the rich section of the society who flourished despite the economic depression. The yachts were sailing in a semi-protected area of water though the ocean outside is rough and ungoverned. 

The sea can toss the biggest hulls and sink them mercilessly like moths in the mist of its turbulent waves.  The best man or the most skilled navigator knows how difficult it is to remain safe against its beatings. The sea is moody and touches the smooth sides of the yachts as if to find any flaw in them. The sea is powerful enough to sink them pitilessly. Though the crew works smoothly, the poet does not hesitate to indicate how small they are in comparison to the ship as a whole in the ocean.

 

The third and fourth stanzas drift away from the chaotic imagery of the ocean and describe the movements of the yachts and their crew. The yachts glide “with broad, bellying sails” tossing green waters of the sea against their prows.  The crew crawl over them like ants adjusting the sails to catch the winds and go in the right direction.

 

In fourth and fifth stanzas the poet describes how the yachts are followed by the lesser vessels on which other men and women were sailing. They seem to be humble and move slowly in a random manner. They represent the struggling poor and middle-class people.

 

 The sixth and seventh stanzas describe the secure and safe position of the yachts in midst of raging waves. The yachts are feckless and free like horses set ready to start in a race as they are well-made and equipped to sail with speed. They appear youthful and carefree as “the light of a happy eye.”  

 

The eighth and ninth stanzas describe the pitiable condition of the lesser boats which are shattered by   the waves of the sea.  “It is a sea of faces about them in agony, in despair.” The whole sea became “an entanglement of watery bodies” desperately struggling to grasp at the sides of the yachts hoping for salvation. The yachts pass over unconcerned for the suffering of their fellow humans. The eighth and ninth stanzas portray the competitive spirit on the ocean. The waves outside the yachts symbolize the great depression, economic inequality and confronting challenges. The yachts are “too well made and they survive the adverse effects of the great depression. They are under the command of men and who lead them safe out of the consequences of unfair economic policies and sufferings caused by the great depression.

 

The tenth and eleventh stanzas reiterate the fate of the struggling poor people in times of economic depression in a symbolic way. They are like drowning people crying for help. The dark and disturbing imagery serves as a powerful contrast against the peaceful and seemingly beautiful sailing yachts described in the third and fourth stanzas. The ocean is filled with struggling people. They are trying to hold on to the ships that sail through them. But they are left to their fate while the yachts smoothly pass over them.

The impoverished condition of the people discarded by the economic system of capitalism. They are dead or dying without getting any help. The sea is “an entanglement of watery bodies/ lost to the world bearing what they cannot hold.”  They are “broken, beaten, desolate” and they “cry out, failing, failing.” Their piteous cries for help rise like waves, but the skillful yachts recklessly pass over them without showing any mercy. The wealthy and well-off symbolized by the yachts triumph over that of poor. The rich winners of this economic battle discard and exploit the poor and sail over them on their way to safe future. There is no sentimentality in the speaker’s description.

 

The message is that in a capitalist system especially during the American great depression during 1930’s, the wealthy always triumphed over the poor and they felt least concerned about the tragic fate of the struggling poor and underprivileged people. This message is symbolically conveyed through the image of the yachts navigating through a sea of desperate and dying bodies. The yachts are also symbols for slave ships on which the most horrifying atrocities were committed.

 

In this artistic and graceful poem, the poet suggests that the outward beauty of the capitalist system is akin to the illusion shown by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s hero in his novel “Great Gatsby.” Capitalism demands competition and indifference to suffering masses. Sinclair’s novel “The Jungle” in more realistic terms reveals the plight of jobless men and women though the Chicago’s bosses rescue a fortunate few. Similarly in this poem, the horror of class war, inequality in income, viciousness against the weak and helpless, and exploitations of the poor are revealed through symbols and artistic use of language. 

The use of enjambment with lack of punctuation and the use of first letter in lower case at the beginning of every stanza line to suggest the poet’s priority for the oppressed majority.  Though the poem is in free verse form, the poet used figures of speech like assonance in words like: encloses -blows; Knows – blows. Alliteration was used in word: Biggest and best. The desperation of the drowning men and women is reflected through the poet’s use of short and choppy sentences in the last three stanzas in contrast with the long and lyrical lines that began the poem.   “Broken/ beaten, desolate, reaching from the dead to be taken up/ they cry out, failing, failing! / their cries rising/ in waves still as the skillful yachts pass over.”

 The poet used personification and symbolism to express his views on Capitalism. The yachts represent the rich capitalists, wealth, freedom, youth and comfort zone. This poem is a typical specimen of Imagist poetry. The poet expressed his views clearly through the image of yachts personifying it and adding symbolic meaning to it. The language is simple and lucid without any abstract and vague implications. The poet used free verse without any ornamentation. He used literary devices which seem to be natural and contribute to the effect of the poem.

                                 **************************

    16th October, 2023                          Somaseshu Gutala