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Showing posts from November 5, 2023

DAYS ON THE SAVANNAH ( DAY 5)

Life as a forest ranger was challenging, stretching one to the limits. But Louie had a deep calling to be one with nature, in the midst of the Savannah driving for miles in the vast grassland trying to spot injured animals or worse still, be on the lookout for poachers. He had to be vigilant every step of the way and watch his back at all times.  Armed with a rifle and his most prized possession, a camera to capture wildlife he set off every morning. It was a taxing profession when he had to work night shifts on some days.  Of late, there had been a spate of killings for ivory and rhino horns. This distressed Louie to a point of breakdown. He felt incompetent at his job as he couldn't save those innocent lives. He didn't know where the next target would be and when. Something had to be done to bring the culprits to justice. He drove down to the tribal village upon the suggestion of Jabari, a team member and met with the chieftain. They had long meetings on how to curb these il...

SMILE! (DAY 4)

                               SMILE ! I have no memory of who clicked this picture. I have no memory of even who this man sitting beside me is. Is he a dear friend, a husband…but then why don't I get the feeling that I'm a married woman? There was no wedding band on my finger when I regained my consciousness in a hospital room with strangers around me. He is looking at me now, worry and concern writ large on his face. Fishing out the wedding ring from his pocket, he says it was removed when I was taken into surgery. He has been saying so for the past one week. Should I believe him? If only I could get one hazy fragment of my past, I would. I turn my face and he sighs, slumping on a chair nearby. I return the picture to him apologetically. At the back of my mind, I do know that he must have been an acquaintance but in my current state of mind, I wasn't ready to accept just about anything, anyone told me. And...

CALL OF DUTY (DAY 3)

                      Here she was praying for a stranger. A stranger who put his life on the line for her.  **** Stella walked down to the neighborhood cafe where she always met Alan for Friday night dates or a cup of coffee and warm snacks in the late evening when she got off work. She spotted him sitting in the far end towards the wall, scrolling down his phone, eyebrows knitted and lips pursed in a thin line.  It was unusual of him to choose that spot from their usual place by the French windows where they had a view of the quay.  Sensing some unpleasant news coming her way, she walked up to him anxiously. He gave her a wry smile and fumbled with his words. Finally he handed a letter with a sheepish look.  Her worst fears had become her reality. This was certainly bad news. Alan had been distancing himself from her and try as might she couldn't get through to him. This day had finally come when they ended the...

EMBRACE AND ERASE

                  EMBRACE AND ERASE  On the primrose hued, sun warmed sand Is a tapestry of footprints scattered across the craggy land Rugged rocks and crashing waves embrace and erase Some fond reminisces and bitter memories Tides pull and the tempestuous ocean rolls Moonlight beckons me to the silver shores Briny summer breeze fragrant of the deep blue Dances through our tousled hair as we sprint with a hullabaloo Seashells, pebbles and starfish dot our path Our walk is sometimes languid, sometimes brisk and fast I look back at the trail I created with a wistfulness A stealthy froth claiming it with all eagerness Sweet is the melody of the distant roar Calming my senses as I recall every storm and downpour As I tilt my head heavenward and see the north star sparkle Safely tucked in my heart is also a glowing ember Two sets of footprints there were sometimes three A solitary walk it was ultimately destined to be Tests and trials, triu...