Leisure

 

When my eyes grow tired of the glitz of social media,

I look up, and discover, what, to many, is mere trivia –

The tireless crow carrying twigs to the tall tree,

For fledglings yet unborn – the nest must be ready.

My nest, I noticed, was in need of a facelift,

The bare wall, I adorned, with old pictures, framed and spiffed!

A much-needed de-cluttering, and piling and stacking later,

Even the critic in me agreed – my nest, indeed looked better!

 

Charcoal sticks glided effortlessly over my canvas affixed to the easel clamp,

As my brush-strokes brought to life Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Narrow streets of cobblestone

‘Neath the halo of a street lamp…’

 

In languages, foreign and vernacular,

In themes of love, peace, sorrow or languor,

Many words echo in my head,

Of songs I have heard and tales I have read,

Such that I pour my heart out in diaries guarded like treasure –

My angst, my fears, my inner turmoil – vented out in good measure …

 

To the virtual world enthusiasts, I say, pick up a guitar,

If no one else, to your loved ones, you will be a star!

Follow the aroma that leads to your kitchen,

Hone your culinary skills and foodies will be smitten!

Let the fashionista in you fly out of your cocoons,

Practise on your old Barbie – in weaves, tassels and looms!

And when nothing comes to mind, let it drift off into meditation –

Dolce far niente – the sweetness of doing nothing – seasoned with a dose of self-introspection.

 

The virtual world might lure us into flaunting –

But superficialities are momentary and skills are wanting.

A friend, an elder, you may choose to malign,

With thoughtless followers, your thoughts may align.

You can make memories or use unkind words to deride,

But to reminisce or to regret, is for you to decide.

With meaningless virtual vengeance, our good senses have perished.

With good thoughts and actions, our souls can be replenished.