MALABIKA RAY

 

 

 

A Land Of Poetry It Is

 

In my dream, appears a mysterious land far away...                      

Of the vermilion sky at mesmerizing dawn,

Prayers arising from boats on holy river, Ganges, at Varanasi,

Mystical chants wafting to, and floating in consciousness!

 

My birthplace, an ancient civilization        

Of saints and hermits, of Vedas and epics,     

A land of classical languages, poetry, art, music….   

Picturesque and beautiful as we imagine heaven to be!

For thousands of years, where verses flow from golden quills of bards             

Painting this unique mythical land!

    

Peaceful and loving countrymen, never hesitate to     

Welcome guests and share meagre food that they have,          

Polite and humble, honest and warm,  

Respectful and gracious,         

Pretense and arrogance they shun, their life is interwoven           

With faith and piety!

 

Country Of Diversity

  

I was born in a country of astounding natural beauty!  

My land is surrounded by deep emerald-blue oceans,

My land is protected by majestic Himalayas,

Tallest awe-inspiring mountains,

Meandering streams hum melodious lullaby

Before meeting their destination,            

Mighty river Ganges descend on coral rocks,               

Singing the sonata of love and hymns,  

Cool breeze lulls the hard-working souls to sleep.

 

Peacock, the national bird, dance to the tantalizing music of rain,           

Spreading its unique feathers and plumes,                

Monsoon drizzles the fertile lands,          

Farmers worship, and welcome the divine boon.    

Tiger is the national animal, living in dense forests,                 

Elephants roam peacefully in herds,               

Building a cordial rapport with humans,

Perching on bushy trees, Koel and Mynah sing the sweetest songs,              

A mellifluous symphony of heart and soul!

   

A land of grandiose palaces and forts, serene temples and mosques,         

All religions living together in unanimity and bliss,                

Composed tranquility from churches,                  

Ardent prayers and soulful chants from temples and mosques,

Joyous celebrations, colourful festivals of

Holi, a festival of colour,

Diwali, the festival of lights,

Eid signifying joy, gratitude and charity,

Christmas, a time for spiritual reflection and celebration,                          

Harvest festival of Onam... all

Create a unique picture of integration, harmony and peace.

 

MALABIKA RAY

 

MALABIKA RAY, an Indo-Canadian writer, poet, translator, is the author of "Without Me, WIthout You' (KDP 2020) and "Touch My Soul and Other Poems" ( KDP 2023). Her poetry has been included into anthologies across the world, weaving together voices and landscapes. Born and raised in Kolkata, India, Malabika writes in both English and Bengali, carrying with her the cadence of two cultures. A long-time educator with Peel District School Board, Ontario, Canada, she is a member of the League Of Canadian Poets, and the Mississauga Writers Group. Malabika resides in the Greater Toronto Area, where art, poetry and music continue to shape her journey. Her latest Book, “Let’s Catch a Rainbow and Other Children’s Poems” published by KDP; is available on all amazon sites.