Pen of Passion

~Imagine you have been exiled from your native land for almost 35 years; you haven’t seen your parents, siblings, and friends for ages. It must have been incredibly painful.

-Deathbed Wish

My homeland
Is where a river moans,
And where the tall grass dances,
And where the crickets chirp
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.

My homeland
Is where the sun’s rays shine,
And where a mother smiles,
And where little kids play
On a wooden bridge
Crossing through
A field of forgotten dreams.

~~~~~

Oh Stranger! 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 stop 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.

~~~~~~~~~~

~vintage 12/07

When I was young, I aspired to become a songwriter. I was later talked out of it by my parents, however. They told me that no matter how much I put my heart and soul in writing the best lyrics I could have possibly written, it is highly unlikely that my talent will ever be appreciated. Most people only remember the person who sang the song and not the one who wrote it.

When I grew up a little, I wanted to become a poet composing verses that would make even the great Shakespeare proud. Unfortunately, learning the various elements and forms of poetry was a strenuous exercise; I was not exactly the assiduous type.

When I was about to give up on writing poetry, a friend of mine told me something I would never forget. She exposed the fact that poetry is neither about forms nor elements; it is about capturing the feelings of the moment. Forms and elements are only tools used by really gifted poets to showoff and to discourage normal folks from doing so.

From that time on, writing poetry becomes a major part of my everyday life. Ten years later, I have only written a few short poems — most of which are left unfinished. I guess I’m not quite the gifted poet I thought I would be.

On a late autumn afternoon, I was driving home when……

Darkness falls
When light still reigns.
From afar,
A sad bell rings.
Puffs of cloud
Wander the sky.
Frantic birds
Ponder on their path.

Darkness falls
When light still reigns.
Falling leaves
Fill empty streets.
Scattered showers
Sadden one’s soul.
A lonely heart
Seeks his way home.

~Simon N.

~~~~~

~This short poem is dedicated to my soldier friend and the love he has for his country~

~~~~~

From the time
I was still in my mother’s womb,
I have learned to love…..my country.
Every night,
The voice of my homeland whispers in my ear
And the spirit of my nation tantalizes my soul.

I am listening to the nightingales,
Whistling their piercing crescendo,
And remember yesterday’s memories.
Feelings from a love long ago suddenly return,
And make me dream of a better tomorrow.

~~~~~~~~~~

I reunite with my little neighbor,
Who charms me with her heavenly smile.
But I have fallen in love with another,
Who has stolen every bit of my soul.

I am in love with the waves of the sea,
Caressing my homeland from end to end.
I am in love with the fruited plains,
Looking out for me from the center of the land.
I am in love with the skyscrapers, the winds,
And the heroes of my country.
Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt…..
Whose names have I not mentioned?
The heroes of the past, present, and future.

Let passing time bears witness to sadness and joys.
Let all dreams be unwavering lights.
Let tomorrow be a better day.

~ Simon N. 2008