A haiku for the season

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Rain

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Silhouette of tossing fronds

on violet sky

Rain passionately arrives

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In Ladies’ Park jackfruit swell like lumpy green balloons filling daily with sweet summer breath of the jackfruit tree.

Impressions from a morning walk near Bogra. I had spent a hot and sleepless night after a wild storm had kept the windows rattling and the power off, so that the temperature in the hotel room was in the 30’s all night. Refreshing to see the rain washed and wind swept landscape in the morning. Meanwhile sleeping amphibians were also awakened by the first heavy rain shower of the season.

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Spawning

After rain-stormy night

morning reverberates

as axes chop storm felled wood,

and birds twitter sadly for windswept nests,

but all sound pales to the proud manly croak  

from lusty frogs in flooded

fields and ditches.

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A contribution to the recent discussion on food safety and quality.

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Make believe

While toxins of our lifestyle

poisons water near their slums,

we sip cool bottled water

and chew on crooked carrot sticks

from make-believe

organic stalls.

I have been reading some fabulous books lately, and this week’s poem is in praise of authors, stories and the joys of reading.

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On the bench

Reading your tales I’m not here

on the bench.

I’m a rider, a fighter,

a Queen.

Alone no more,

I’m in battle,

at war.

I am moved; transported,

I’m in awe.

Last evening just before dusk we had a violent rain and wind storm. After the storm the evening became still and there was a lovely golden light as dusk fell and the Maghrib call to prayer was called.

Maghrib (2)

Dusk turns to near night’s golden moment –

an amber street cat on still-warm pavement –

air vibrates with the call to prayer.

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A poem inspired by… walking.

Reasons to walk

I walk for exercise and inspiration,

for health and maintenance, and for my moods,

I walk to be in nature  –  with trees and flowers and clouds,

to be part of my species – I join the walking crowds.

I walk because that’s what I do,

I walk to dream, to meditate, reflect and freely think,

I walk because it’s practical and easy to get from A to B,

I walk at dawn and dusk to know my immortality.

I walk and talk because it eases words,

I walk to hear the birds and feel the breeze,

I walk to laugh at squabbling crows and think philosophy

I walk because I live and love my life.

On May first, a poem to celebrate how good work can be when we love what we do.

Good days

Beyond just a job lies engagement

where challenge is nourishment;

where time looses shape, effort

grows strength and means is the end in itself.

Not simply adequate, but a thriving place

where work becomes love made real.

Beyond good enough is a flourishing world

where work is its own reward;

where energy lifts wide-stretched wings

on upward spiraling drafts.