Poetry: In Exile

My homeland
Is where the river moans,
And where the tall grass dance,
And where the cricket chirps,
In the night,
Bringing about
A spell of mixed feelings.

My homeland
Is where the rooster crows,
And where the piglets oink,
And where young ducks wobble,
In blistering winds,
Hardening up
The heart and soul.

~~~

If you happen upon my land,
Do me a favor
And tell the river to stop moaning,
Because better days are ahead.

If you encounter the old faithful oak,
Offer him a little hug
And spare him a tickle or two.

If you pass by the field of crops,
Don’t forget to take a short respite
To smell the sweet tomatoes
And fragrant rice.

If you come across a wooden house,
Sandwiched between the coconut trees,
Gently awake him from his long slumber
And tell him to prepare for his master’s return–someday.

If you meet the people,
Returning home after a long day at work,
Tell them to cease their longing
And live outside the shadow of unhappiness
And sorrows.

Oh Stranger! Why life has to be so depressed,
So unfair, so full of conflicts?
Oh Stranger! Will my last wish ever be fulfilled?

[Simon N.]

~~~