A Slug Reborn

A distressed Slug one day, prayed aloud to Mother, you’ve left me less blessed, than my Snail brother. A lovely shell to show off, a home he takes along, helping him hide at will, a shelter that’s so strong. No harm can come to him, the shell keeps all away, but look at poor naked … Continue reading A Slug Reborn

Yellow Cattle!

Sunday mornings of late are devoted to a stroll, camera at the ready, through the untrodden paths within the Aarey Forest in suburban Mumbai. At the far end of the path downhill from New Zealand Hostel is a tiny pond which remains slushy at this time of the year, trying to manage with an insufficient … Continue reading Yellow Cattle!

Yet I Dare Hope

When my nest won’t be tangled, and my tree not likely strangled, while my river will flow undefiled, my forest allowed to grow wild, my pastures left free to forage, my wings not bound in cordage, will ever I wake up to this sight, or forever sleep filled with fright? [In the frame: Pied Myna … Continue reading Yet I Dare Hope

No Rhyme, But Reason

The emerging flamboyant red, turned a confident glorious gold, then a reassuring gorgeous orange, finally an upbeat blazing yellow, what was yesterday was bygone, no baggage no encumbrances, today was hope and anticipation, the cool of the soft breeze eased off, a warm moist woody trace emerged, I lowered my lens and contemplated, It was … Continue reading No Rhyme, But Reason

A Dragon’s Ire

For three hundred million years, these wings have seen no fears, per second beating thirty times, in a flash they can change gears. Flying six ways or levitating, sweeping skies eagerly waiting, mid-air is where the action lies, be it baiting or for mating. For ages we have had a connect, your culture giving us … Continue reading A Dragon’s Ire

Nowhere to Fly

Skies overcast, Aves downcast, Forests fading, Men invading, Foliage lost, Steep cost, Boughs stripped, Fronds ripped, Nest unshielded, brood yielded, Refuge blown, Battle zone, Darkness ahead, Forsaken fled, Whither retreat will your wings weary, We will always leave your eyes bleary… [In the frame: Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) in silhouette; Aarey Forest, Mumbai] – Narendra … Continue reading Nowhere to Fly

A’poie’tizer

The Portuguese left behind the legacy of their proficiency at bread-making for the poders (local traditional bread-maker) of Goa. Though the customary method of using toddy to ferment the dough is rare to come by now, there's nothing to beat the distinctive aroma, light smoky flavour and unique textures of the staple bread of Goans. … Continue reading A’poie’tizer