The Beauty In the eye of Beholder
To pluck a flower to offer the Buddha,
I walk to the parched garden:
Feeling sad to rob the paltry yield from trees,
I have little choice– The Buddha deserves the best– No other!
The strong and fragrant Water Lily –reaching up to the sky,
Off white in color with a purple hue,
The symbol of prosperity –bloomed in the morning sun,
Enfolded by bees -searching nectar.
The brilliant white”Idda ”flower contrast with dark leaves,
A dainty crown hang over its soft yellow center;
No fragrance or accompanying bees– boldly it stands,
Like a Christmas tree with bright lights.
Cluster of bright orange Lilies– faces turned down
Standing proudly upright, among dead leaves
Reminding a platoon of soldiers on battle ground,
Bidding farewell to fallen friends:
My heart dances with joy –
At the sight of a solitary, delicate jasmine;
Gently swaying in the breeze
White, simple and sweet smelling.
The spirit that beauty must ever induce is
Wonderment and delicious trouble
Longing and love and tremble that is–
all delight– said Plotinus
Is beauty in the eye of the beholder?
Or, is it something more astute?
The greatest form of beauty–
Are the order, symmetry and limitation, said–
Aristotle who could see beauty
In an arithmetic equation!
– Sandya de Silva
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Arunachala, I have come home
From the exotic beauty of Regents Park
Half way across the world to the breathtaking grandeur of Botany Bay
I searched for that joy without pain
Was it to be found in
Sixty Four Squares or
Fifty Two cards or
Rhythmic foot steps
I searched in vain
Then one day in the beautiful city of Sydney
Through the Meditators’ Diary
Lord Buddha entered My heart
Oh’ The Joy of that blessed moment
I knew without a shadow of a doubt that
The wandering was over and
The homeward journey had begun
So started a life of full time meditation
in isolation
Then one day, I felt a tiny
Movement in the right side of my chest
I did not know as I do know
That it heralded the arrival
Of the mightiest force in creation
The grace of Ramana Maharishi
The battle was well and truly begun
But will the prey that is caught
In the tiger’s jaw ever allowed to escape ?
The Grace of Bhagwan was slowly but
Surely killing the individuality that
Was keeping me a prisoner
Then one day,
No more will this heart be tossed
On the Waves of Samsara
It has found its home, deep
Within the ocean of the Self
Arunachala, I have come home
– Dr Asoka Thenuwara
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One breath at a time
I see myself crumbling
and my wings
becoming weaker and weaker,
but there is nothing I can do.
It feels like
there is poison running through
my veins
and I am letting go
one breath at a time.
– Dinuli Francisco
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Parents
We see this world,
We live in this world,
All due to our parents,
Will anyone deny this?
Father and Mother,
Cannot be replaced.
No one can take their place
Their love and sacrifice.
Just turn and look behind,
You arrived in this world,
Because of your parents,
No one else is responsible.
You are their responsibility.
They watched your first step,
Up to the steps you take now.
Why, they have parented you.
You are an adult today
Parents helped and guided you
Provided sense of security and stability
God given gifts in a child’s live
Their endless love shape their kids life in many ways.
Nothing can rise above their love
Help the children to navigate the challenges of life.
Play an immense role in the development of a child’s life
– Gunadevi Rajaratnam
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The Lone Grazer
A cloud adrift in a green sea,
the lone sheep nibbles,
each bite a silent prayer for clover.
Sun warms his back, a drowsy hum,
whiskers twitch at a phantom breeze.
The world, a tapestry of blades,
unfurling beneath patient hooves.
No bleat escapes his woolly lips,
just the rhythmic crunch,
a solitary symphony of green.
Here, in this emerald haven,
he is king of the endless lunch.
– Waruna Sugathapala
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To the Beloved Sailer
These storms will pass
The waters will be calm again
The darkness will disappear
The sky is gonna be clear again
Chasing away the gloom
The sun will be back
Shining brighter than ever
Your conscience will guide you
Your wisdom will show you the way
You’ll find that precious land
That you’d been yearning for long
Where you’d find your peace
Where you’d find your ultimate happiness
Where you really belong
Muster up the courage
Embrace the hardships and
Conquer your fear from within
Be strong on your own
With each passing day
You’re gonna be the light
You’re gonna be the shelter
To your little saplings
To your beloved ones
Just a little more and
You’re gonna be there
You’re gonna do it
Hold on tight!!!
And never give up!
Never ever give up!!!
– Chathuri Gamage
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Infused with the Door of Hope
Infused with the Door of Hope you will find,
Strength in your darkest nights, strategy in light,
Guided by your heart, ruled by Christ’s mind,
Walk in kingly robes, with heaven’s insight.
The old season fades, a new path begins,
Key choices made, will lead to the best,
Treasures await on the path as journey spins,
This is progressive era, where favor does rest.
Enjoy life, embrace each moment with glee,
For even in the dark, He will be your light,
Favour will be your shield, for all to see,
In this Door of Hope, you will take delight.
– Timothy A Edward
If you have verses that resonate with emotions, stories that dance with metaphors, or musings that paint vivid images with words, we would love to feature your work in Poetry Corner. Send your submissions to [email protected], and let your words find a home in this literary corner.
