PAULLYN SIDHU

 

 

Light Galore!

 

O take me to that precious perch again!

Where my old ageing body is forgotten.

It, with all its wails of aches and moans,

But has a soul that sings of fresh rain!

 

O only, in the evening.

As the glorious sun sets,

There is still this light,

Strong! Blazing! Shining!

 

Ony at this very indigo hour.

The shadows grow longer,

Darker, holding their might,

Frowning in their dark sour!

 

Then, comes this silent dawn,

Dew, sparkling silver on leaves.

Almighty Sun is rising yet again.

To welcome a cheer in the lawn!

 

Hear the larks begin to sing!

With fresh, bright cadences,

Heralding promise of new day!

In my mind, awakens a bling!

 

O grant me all my precious memories!

Of being dressed in dainty, lacy cotton,

Full of vitality of green pines and cones

With rich wheat stored in my granaries!

 

A Memory Of My Mother

 

Amber rays on trees,

Last shafts of blazing sunlight

Mother kneading dough.

 

Hens roosting outside,

Shuffling feathers, tucking necks.

Boxed fists, whole wheat flour.

 

Twilight in purple,

Dressed up in dark violet garb.

No gold on her wrists.

 

Windows darkening,

Shadows of branches lazing,

Sweat on mother's brow.

 

Firewood crackles,

Flickers in bright orange flames,

Capati circles.

 

Wooden logs burning,

Sighing in their granted death.

Rolling pin, rolling!

 

Ashes gathering,

Grave in old fashioned stove.

Warm smell in flat bread.

 

Crickets chirp, night falls.

Leaves rustling in a cool wind.

She serves us dinner.

 

Sounds of frogs croaking,

An odd lizard clicks its tongue,

No bedtime story.

 

PAULLYN SIDHU

 

PAULLYN SIDHU is a masterful poet and the author of 25 books of poetry and prose, which were published from 2017 to 2021. Of her books, two were bilingual (Malay/English) and two, written in Bahasa Malaysia. This retired Malaysian Punjabi teacher has 19 years’ writing experience as a former freelance education columnist for two newspapers in Malaysia: The Star and Daily Express. From 2014 to 2019, and on her self-sponsored education treks, she travelled solo through 26 countries and became internationally known as a Good Samaritan who delivered free motivational talks in schools, colleges and universities. To spread the love for poetry, she generously donated her books for free to countless libraries and individuals. Her motto in life is: “Believe, then Achieve!”  In “recognition of her tireless dedication to worthy causes of promotion of peace, humanitarian services and protection of peoples’ rights”, she was appointed as the Malaysian Ambassador of W.I.P and a ‘World Epitome of Humanity’ International Award Certificate by W.I.P.  (World Institute for Peace) in 2016.