A Grassious Presence

As the world rushed decisively towards the hour of first light, an assortment of creatures – some content and some unfulfilled, though all weary and wary – began making their way to the familiar sheltered warrens of the meadowland. The tall grasses, lithe yet resilient, set into motion a delightful dance with the rising morning …

Take it Lightly

Neo may have been enlightened when the little boy told him, “There is no spoon.” But this isn’t the Matrix and there isn’t any enlightenment, though there is illumination – a blatant manifestation of “light”. The spoon does exist – a polished, refulgent, stainless steel spoon – though you do not see it as such, …

Yours, Suspiciously

I have a lingering suspicion that some species of birds have long conspired to make photographers look as silly as a goose (why do I get a feeling that geese must be on the board of directors of that conglomerate!?). OK, truce. As silly as a sheep, then (I will tackle this when I get …

Featherweights!

The moment was at hand, the feed to appear soon,when water would be filled, millet seeds be strewn.Eager were the sparrows, for breakfast at first light,quite busy the day ahead, for chatter and some flight. Then whooshed in two greens, screeching beaks of red,flapping hovering threatening, keen to steal the bread.The sparrows chirped and cheeped, …

Of Verdurous Preserves

(A Haiku spotlighting fragile habitats) She flutters about,a new lifecycle awaits,a mother’s instinct. For the precise host,and the only sustenance,scouring the coppice. Misfortune beckons,thickets touched by human greed,a sparse foliage. Tired wings stagger,time and vigour on the wane,unbending instinct. A forsaken nook,of stunted hardy herbage,a singular host. Eggs promise new life,The past gladly ebbs away,Axe …

Perspective

https://youtu.be/cIIdgtdebZE One hesitant step,then move forward other feet,on with the scramble. Over shrivelled wood,treading splintered jagged bark,yet firm strides onward. Passage treacherous,vulnerable though wary,despite camouflage. Intent on the crown,where winds serenade lithe boughs,shade and sustenance. Thus progresses life,myopic yet far sighted,in a perspective! – Narendra Nayak © 2020

In Passing…

A moist spattering,trickling down the soft petals,awash with fragrance. Dribbling onto leaves,soaking viridescent blades,steeped in herby scent. The bland inception,an aromatised journey,headed to dirt drenched! [Featuring: Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) taking delight in a light drizzle] – Narendra Nayak © 2020

Freeze!

A relentless dream to fly, to soar in the lazuline sky, since wings alas we lack, a brain we have to rack. So we send up birds faux, intent to rise like hawks, some with tail and wing, others on miles of string. The paper birds when die, and bid the heavens bye, fall back …

Crisis and a Chrysalis

(The CombatAnt Chronicles) Prologue: In “A(i)n’t Just a Rant!” you read how CombatAnt fearlessly attacked a sparrow (or rather, its beak) who came pecking at a mound of boiled rice that Team Beta on foraging duty was in the process of raiding. In the ruckus, CombatAnt left the scene of action clinging on to the …

The Rant A(i)n’t Over!

BrilliAnt was in a soup. At least in her dreams a few hours back, she was merrily floating on a leaf in a vast pool of green pea soup – a nutrient-rich haven (5% protein by the aroma, no less, mind you!). But now, back at work, that pleasant dream had turned into a stinking …