Mimosas blossom
Feature of the break of Spring
Light rain starts to fall
Camellias in bloom
Sparrows sing a lovely song –
Buddha awakens
Feeble butterfly
Struggles out of its cocoon –
Bloom opens its folds
Monday morning blues
I try to follow the ant –
I land on a rose
Sunflowers stand proud
Under the scorching midday sun –
Petals as soft as pain
Written during second lockdown in Mauritius, these haiku florets and others to come, keep me sane and healthy.
Anita Bacha
The sea is silent
Surfers fret in quarantine
Waves dance in solo
Anita Bacha
One day, an old and worn-out goat was quietly crossing over a bridge under which a river was flowing. Coming in the opposite direction gallantly, was a sturdy young goat. When they reached the middle of the bridge, they realized there was not enough room for two goats to pass. They halted. The young goat said in a threatening voice, ready to come to thorns-
‘Out of the way you so and so! I am in a hurry!’
The old goat felt the looming sparks of hostility in the air. He had fought several fights in his life and this young goat, he thought, would be K.O in the first round! But wisdom dawned upon him.
‘The bridge is made of bamboo and is not solid. What if it collapses during the struggle? We will both fall into the river with dire consequences!’ He reflected.
‘Look here, young chap!’ He addressed his opponent with diplomacy. ’There is no point in fighting! I will lie down on my tummy and you can walk across on my back!’
No sooner said than done, each goat went off on his way happily!
-Anita Bacha-
Spirit of the Forest,
You marvel me,
You scare me,
In the deepness of your folds,
I love to venture,
Gliding in your moist leaves,
Play hide and seek.
Anita Bacha
