A ZULU ENCOUNTER

[this story was wriiten by me in year-2003, with no particular reason at all. it was the first time i tried writing a story. surprisingly, it came out well and was published in a monthly magazine for kids called "GOKULAM"(nov.,2003)].


"I had another dream last night, a bad one," said eleven year old Sathya, who was in a foul mood that morning.
"Don't be silly sathya," rebuked his pragmatic father, Ram.
"Occurence of dreams signifies a good, healthy body. Atleast experts say so!"he said smiling at the sulky Sathya." anyway, what was it today?" he asked. " a cowboy or a cannibal?"
"Zulus!" replied Sathya, cryptically." They were posed to strike me with a spear." He gestured dramatically. " The chif was a huge woman with a cruel look! she was wearing a large piece of uncut diamond over her forehead!"
" YOu know that reading of racy, violent novels always makes you dream like that," his father remarked. " Now get ready and go to school. It's getting late," he said, sending sathya away to his room.

These kind of odd dreams were regular for Sathya. Everyday, he dreamt of cowboys, dacoits or cannibals trying to torture him.
Now, Sathya had a close friend, Sameer, his classmate, who believed totally in Sathya's dreams. During their free time in school, Sathya would narrate his dreams to sameer. Then, both of them would animatedly discuss the dreams!

That day was especially boring, so, Sathya and Sameer were excitedly talking about the Zulu tribes, during their history class.
" what if they burst into this room and point their spears at you," asked Sameer, looking at Sathya fearfully.
" Dont worry, Sameer! I will fight them," said Sathya, bravely!
" I have read all about the zulu tribes. They respect brave men. And we are brave, arent we, Sameer," said Sathya.
" If I die fighting them," continued Sathya, " you will take them up, wont you? You are my second mate, you know!"
" Yes, I will, Sathya!" replied Sameer, putting up a brave face.

"And before you both die, will you be kind enough to submit your history assignment?"

The speaker was Mrs. Bannerjee, their history teacher. Tall, dark and stout, she wore thick glasses, which shone like diamonds and now, she was posturing to strike at Sathya with her cane!

LET IT BE..

let is be..
we need not bother
of what use is it to us?
let's lie low
let's see it happen
let it be..
we need not bother

dark nights-
pregnant with crimes
red waters flooding the lands
cries of agony
pierce our ears
but
let it be..
we need not bother

terror-
jubiliant and radiant
smiles with glee
rules the world
in a state of euphoria
spreading fires of hatred
moaping- it challenges peace
but
let it be..
we need not bother

cold air sweeps the earth
cries of plea
ringing throughout
falling on ears, deaf-
interogations-
remain unanswered
yet seeking answers..
but
let it be..

let it be..
we need not bother
of what use is it to us?
let's lie low
let's see it happen
as they have seen it happen
and will see it happen
for eons and for eons...
let it be...

SOUND OF PEACE

My heart is as white as-
a newly sewn shroud
the setting sun is smiling at me-
my closed eyes remain closed-
it's stories remain untold
the night awaits my return.
the silence if my lips
remain intact
no one to make it talk.
hands folded, legs tied-
not anymore could i walk.
cold air, out there-
awaits my return to the worlds deep-
weightless- i float, i fly;
to that mystic land- on i leap
there.. i see it..over there..
that source of eternal light,
peace..
let me be here forever..or i might..