The Floating Feather

Buffeted by the breeze I flit and float

Going where the next gust takes me

I seek nothing; want nothing

Happy wherever, whenever

Neither am I anxious

Nor am I envious

I accept what the elements offer

Devoid of any desire

Now I reside on a high branch

Now I ride a swift brook

Till the storm picks me up

Into the heavens I lightly rise

The monsoons deposit me on a roof

Where I lay bathing in the warmth of the Sun

Till a little curious one enchanted by me

Transformed into a poet and a quill I became

Many, the poems through me were written

Ideas galore, many were smitten

To let life take you through its many alleys

While in uncaring liberty; is bliss.

--- Gnaneshwar Pettukola

Email: gnanesh@vsnl.com Mobile: 98414 33834

The Subaltern Voice

You see me below in a sorry state

‘tis not me but my circumstances

You look at me as though I am my fate

With distrust, bias and hateful glances

You were wronged once; now you wrong

How is the crime now a virtue?

In weak division; to rule, others came along

Destined for slavery when we were two

The disconnect shaped by you shapes you

Not realising I too aspire to an improved lot

Labels may differ; identities transform anew

Deep down we don’t, we feed the same pot

Look around, you will see misery

In those who feel divided;

Unto each other of those in unity

Harmonious prosperity is surely decided

Leaders political & communal false

Brought us to this sorry pass

Not betterment they seek, but power, alas!

Blame them not, they speak your voice

A sincere sunrise, do you seek?

Search no further beyond within

Feel, don’t judge, make vanity meek

When hearts connect there can be no sin

We are the same, more than you know

The same insecurity, mine and yours

Upward in society, we both want to show

Come, join hands, the world will be ours

Gnaneshwar B.Pettukola                                                                           Email: gnanesh@vsnl.com