BUILDING FACTS FROM CARDINAL PRINCIPLES An ode to a sole being demolished and An ode to myself before being demolished As none came forward to dirge and to write an ode to me I decided to do it for myself. Four scores minus four years I stood like a rock here. When around me, my ilk grew tall NS raised funds and risen me up by 15’ And when I grew more imposing My ilk grew jealous of me. He embellished my innards And spent his meager savings With tiles as white as his heart, Unmindful of alterations altercations galore, Erected grilles and doors and ditches That enhanced sheen shine and luster around. When nearby fronds with their shades Graced the parapet and cooled my top half, Passing breeze through Fronds & coconuts In rain or shine, played music over my (lap) top, I kissed them profoundly often with ease. While he and his kins rejoiced within, And considered bliss to be blessed by him, To quench thirst of his nextgen and His heirs’ heirs. He sauntered often over my parapet, Stood erect with a scythe, When squirrels ran in fright downwards on coconut tree NS Pulled bunch of tender coconuts from far and near And pierced it to let flow the sweet juice, I was ear-short when someone spoke of, NS affection and profound love for spouse It was raining cats and dogs Bedridden in Rakshit, he took his purse To fetch Horlicks to send to “Subbu-Papa” Convalescing - she was at home. I stood inert witness to NS generosity, He empathized with his semi skilled helpers Encouraged at door steps fruit/vegetable vendors Deals he struck without haggling. I stood as an edifice of NS triumph and tribulations Stood witness to many joy and cries within and alas When I am now being pounded and hammered None of NS kins could stand by me Nor could stand perhaps the sight of my soul being ripped, But sure they would return Listen to my voice of my soul From depths of debris As I am hauled away in rubbles In trucks and burrows. As I am being fragmented, I brood of NS loving me round the clock Regardless of my form I was always his love as brick and mortar. As every progeny was dear to NS, Unsure I am as I join NS in Heavens, BELIEVE Every NS kin was taken into confidence, And opportunity given to witness and grieve over my demolition With or without any ill-will probated RAJA RAJESWARI ILLAM € This poem as if written by the building to echo sentiments on demolition of the building for dividing and distributing the real estate value. NS short for my Fil.
@Thyagarajan Sir, Interesting perspective. I was a little baffled trying to figure out 'NS'. The footnote you inserted cleared my doubts. Demolition brings out mixed emotions. It brings down curtains on many moments etched in our memory but it also indicates inevitable progression and integration of new ideas and lifestyles.
Thanks that you had extracted epitome of this somewhat monotonous poem in excellent choice of words. Regards. God Bless Us All Always.
@kaniths @jskls. thank you sisters for clicking the LIKE option. Thanks @kaniths for enjoying and relishing my words selection . Regards. God Bless Us All Always.
@messedup @periamma Thanks that you indicated your liking the monotonous dull irony of life depicted in the poem. I trust you would followed it up with as always wonderful feedback. Regards. God Bless Us All Always.
@Thyagarajan Brother My laptop is not in good condition and that is the reason for not giving fb. Hard to type in phone and so I pressed like. What ever demolished gives pain .when our house was demolished my father cried as he thought of the days lived with his Parents and siblings. He said it is not just aroof and four walls made of cement and stone but one of the character among the family.It had seen many new borns and the demise of many lives. Any thing that is broken bring tears in our eyes.
Quite true indeed, my eyes welled up during the demolition phases and as I typed the poem too eyes welled up. The end of the poem is incisive for related persons to whom the poem e mailed separately. Thanks Amma. Regards. God Bless Us All Always.