BLUSTERY WALK

Blustery Walk

I walked along the crest of a hill
On a blustery morning about to rain
Approaching storm greyed the sky
As misty drizzle set my rhythm

From a tree branch high hung a silk string
A spider twirled as wind blew strong
A carpet of brown leaves whirling
Tumbling fleeing flirty ‘catch us if you can’

Dog Escort

Two dogs, not mine, at my heels,
Followed me, then I followed them.
Morning escort, eight paws in trusty trot
Tails upright, puffing white breath

The wind in my ears, face tingled cold
The valley below fell to the sea
In the distance waves rushed frothy
Hugged rocks shell-crusted black grey

All the way there and back
In the silence of my home,
Haunting echoes of wind sea
The rain now heavy.

Leela Panikar

A PANDA DIED

Today a Panda died

DAWN

Today a Panda died
We cried

We slaughter weeping Cow
We call it beef know not how

Today a Panda died
We cried

We kill bleating Lamb and Sheep
We call it mutton, and do not weep

Today a Panda died
We cried

We murder Pigs tearfully squealing
We call it pork we have no feeling

Today a Panda died
We cried

ON COLOANE ISLAND MACAU

Pousada de Coloane
Dream

Balcony

On balcony white, muffled
Greening branches hushed,
The lush summer rests.
In absorbent light
Breath
Gives rise to a dream.

Paved Path

Along stone paved paths
Crotons nod yellow red
Spreading creepers invite
As silently mists fold in,
Float
Leave behind the dream

Mist

Go beyond. Sun umbrellas
Blue-fringed flap in air warm
Beach mats on black sand
Shells listening, humming,
Absorbent
A lapping sea froths.

Boats in steady bob
Rustle, nod to waves
Dancing, lifting, easing
Breeze
Flutters here and beyond.

I stop and watch fish smile.

Partners in Crime

Partners in Crime

It was them alright
There they were, like regular tycoons in a limo
Looking straight ahead, impressive, real cool
Waiting for a signal, no doubt
Or, were they waiting for the traffic lights to change
The whole force had been on the lookout
I spotted them straight away, well almost
There were those tell-tale designer bags
Five or more, in the back seat. The missing diamonds
Had to be, too many recent jewellery heists in the vicinity
It’s no wonder I’m known as the Queen of Wanchai
Erm, I mean, Queen of Wanchai Detectives
I knew I had one shot, one shot only ‘Get them Girl’, I said
I whipped out my Canon, just in time for that shot
The lights changed to green, they pulled away
Zoom! Gone!
Left me coughing and spluttering in exhaust fumes.

Leela Panikar

SPRING

Spring

In Close Conversation

White lilac tangle
Flamboyant rose red
Not unravelled by
Last night’s wild winds

Flowers In quiet conversation
Sweetly intimate
Perfume more than jasmine
Scenting, calling out

A butterfly unfolds wings
Finds refuge in blossoms
Bees anxious harried
Rustling quick nectar

Colours bold, not muted
Glimpses of fleeting spring
Elusive sounds, fragrances
Beckon speedy summer