-----

Love Affair

As modest maidens in their first long dress,
wide-skirted trees sway coyly on the breeze;
with dips and bows they're dancing and caress
the air with softest touch in fragrant tease.
Pink blossoms of the Prunus Japanese
flirt gently with the purple lilac blooms,
while in great bursts of white the pear-trees please,
show off the splendour of the favoured grooms.

A veil of blooms half hides a knotted tress,
as finely drawn thin branches now appease
excited birds still trying to impress;
in dance of love they give a mate reprise.
Fast moving wings a-twitter, she agrees-
a cloud of flurried feathers- he assumes
responsibility for this year's seize,
shows off the splendour of the favoured grooms.

Among the luscious leaves in dark recess,
as trees are humming with the song of bees,
a nest is built and lined with purple cress;
the eggs are laid and fit in close as peas.
New life unfolds in spring in crowns of trees
as Nature's breathing in and out resumes,
shapes images and forms in all degrees-
shows off the splendour of the favoured grooms.

My garden seemed a Paradise at ease
until dark shadows blocked the sun and loomed;
the feathers on the ground, though bright, don't please;
show off the splendour of the favoured grooms.

-----

Reflections II

Each dawn I walk along the shore;
my feet leave prints that slowly fade
as sun-touched surf floods with a roar,
obliterates the trace just made-
the sands of time run as I wade.
Each step I feel from heel to toe,
a litany of walking prayed-
while song of surf aids mantra’s flow.

Its beat pervades my inner core;
in constant rhythm it cascades,
unlocks that secret inner door,
inviting me into its shade-
that treasured spot where we once played.
Thoughts come to rest here, silence glows
in hearts of lotuses displayed,
while song of surf aids mantra’s flow.

As thoughts retreat into their drawer,
my mind escapes the masquerade-
enjoys the shining new décor
on which Ganesha is portrayed.
His left hand holds a lotus blade;
one foot rests on the floor below.
He bears a trident, gold inlaid,
while song of surf aids mantra’s flow.

The god of wisdom is my aid;
as footsteps in the sand will show,
my path is straight, I’m not afraid
while song of surf aids mantra’s flow.

-----

Shivers on my skin

Your voice brings shivers on my skin;
I am caressed by unseen hands
and cords start trilling, deep within-
my strings are plucked by your commands.
Andante’s rich and mellow tones
reverberate, make my head spin,
they resonate within my bones-
your voice brings shivers on my skin.

Your voice brings shivers on my skin;
recalls our walks on sun-bleached sands,
the turquoise sea, a dolphin’s fin.
Allegro quickens love’s demands
till passions peak- releasing moans.
Where I am ending, you begin,
is lost in union, time postpones-
your voice brings shivers on my skin.

Your voice brings shivers on my skin;
it comforts me and understands
when dragging time wears patience thin,
it sings of hope and future plans
when we’ll no longer need these phones.
With songs and jokes you raise my chin;
we’ll build our love with dreams and stones,
your voice brings shivers on my skin.

Adagio, bridging separate zones,
connects your yang within my yin;
the aftermath is sweet, condones-
your voice brings shivers on my skin.

-----

Stings

Amidst a mound of last year's garden scraps
my favoured guests have made their hidden lair;
with cut-off branches, leaves to fill the gaps,
a camouflaged and safe retreat they share.
At twilight they come out to sniff the air,
the tiny feet are shuffling through the grounds
in search of titbits for their daily fare.
The end of day and peace of night is found.

A bowl of milk put out for them to lap,
attracted cats as well, now four eyes stare
from each side of the plate, till tension snaps,
as cats don't fancy touching prickly snares-
the hedgehogs flatten raised and pointed hairs.
The clear spring air is filled with evening sounds,
high in the elm-tree thrushes' song declares
the end of day and peace of night is found.

The scene I just have watched holds me entrapped
in visions of a similar affair;
the incompatibility a slap-
no matter how I wish or pray or swear.
When no solution, should I stop to care?
As each well-meant attempt is barred, rebounds,
emotion obscures issues, temper flares-
the end of day and peace of night is found.

As hedgehogs roll into a ball when scared,
I won't put on the thorns that had me crowned,
refuse the allegations, they're unfair;
the end of day and peace of night is found.

-----

Sunnyside

Fierce growls from the gods of thunder
get the well-tanned lifeguards whistlin'
their charges out of the water.
Danger! This storm's on a mission,
they holler, as a fearsome wind
tears across the town's Great Lake,
threatening to set all a-spin,
leaving not too much in its wake.

Tourists take cover - tall waiters
bring small drinks, appear in tandem
with fork-light; the ensuing surge
sends pots of pelargonium
sprawling across the pavillion.
Scents of burnt toast, fries on the make
mingle with fear at the howlin',
leaving not too much in its wake.

Coast Guards, in bright yellow slickers
cross the lake to the horizon,
where a small white sailboat flounders.
The big vessel's horn blasts; tension
gathers and all who are lookin'
gasp as waves of a storm-tossed lake
swallow white sails, and all therein,
Leaving not too much in its wake.

Oh, do beware of the thunder
Electrical storms on the make
Take care, it could take you under,
Leaving not too much in its wake.