BOATS IN A STORM*- Sent by Suriyakanthi Amarasekera
(picture modified from The web by MG)
We are all navigating a storm, but not in the same boat
The waves may capsize yours while gently rocking mine
Or vice versa
For some, quarantine is a moment of reflection,
of re-connection.
Easy, in flip flops, with a glass of whiskey in hand
For others, this is a desperate crisis
Some experience it as loneliness and isolation
Others a time of reconnection with family and friends
Some lament the absence of a brand they love
Others worry about bread for the weekend,
or if the noodles will last a few more days
Some work in their "home office"
Others have lost their homes and offices
We criticize those who break the quarantine
But some have no choice, they have to pay the bills.
Others choose to escape.
To their country homes
or favourite vacation destinations
Some have experienced the virus,
some have already lost someone from it,
some are not sure their loved ones are going to make it
And yet there are some
who don't even believe this is a big deal
Many are getting vaccinated.
Some have faith in God and miracles.
Others lack faith in science
Some think the storm is passing,
others think the worst is yet to come
So, friends, we are not in the same boat.
We are in the same storm.
How we perceive it depends on the boat we are on
And when the storm passes,
each of us will emerge, in our own way.
Some stronger, some unscathed, some scarred,
some on a stretcher, and some will not make it.
It is very important to see beyond our own experience
See beyond our politics, beyond religion,
beyond race, beyond the nose on our faces
Do not underestimate the pain of others
even if we do not feel it ourselves
Do not judge the good life of one
nor condemn the choices of the other
Let us not judge the one who lacks,
nor the one with possessions
We are all simply on different boats
Let’s navigate our routes
with respect, empathy and responsibility
*--Author unknown*.
Suri sent this to me and we both felt that it was worthy of sharing with our batch mates. It is wonderfully written and thought provoking. Every crisis is also an opportunity to learn and become wiser.
ReplyDeleteSuri, the verses are highly relevant to the current chaotic situation.
ReplyDeleteSuri
ReplyDeleteA very moving poem and appropriate for the current situation.
A variety of scenarios,thoughts and beliefs are described.A few boats are in control but many are struggling in the storm."No one is safe until all are safe".so let us share the vaccines and navigate to safety.
Suri and Mahen,
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this.
The last 12 lines, a sound reminder of the path we must tread with humanity and humility, not only during this crisis but always.
Otherwise where lies the value of our exalted education ?
Suri, a very apprpriate and emotional poem. Well done!
ReplyDeleteSuri, thank you for this contribution, and Mahen, for posting it. As I was reading it, assuming that Suri had written it, I thought "this is really impressive" until I saw "Author Unknown." Whoever wrote it has given us much to think about. I am hoping that we will emerge stronger and more sensitive to the pain of others, and that we move ahead with more empathy than before. Most of us were fortunate that we had retired, but we each had to adjust to our unique situation. The storm is almost over, so let's navigate cautiously to the shore.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that so many of you appreciated this poem. When I read it I was so moved that it was too good to keep to myself... It is so thought provoking and helps one to feel another's pain
ReplyDeleteSuri and Mahendra thanks for posting this poem appropriate to the present Corona situation. It is like a storm. Are we safe in this storm?
ReplyDeleteEven after getting both jabs are we safe? I heard that a Doctor (I think an Indian) died even after getting both vaccinations.
The Indian strain is virulent causing the 3rd wave to spread rapidly in Sri Lanka.
Hope and prey that the Corona storm will settle soon all over the world.
Chira
News about the Indian variant should be taken as lull before the storm.
ReplyDeleteGreat Poem a masterpiece of Poetry. Thanks for sharing this poem with us. How true we are all in the storm and the storm keeps rolling on, lets hope and pray that we will be safely guided out of this storm for surely this storm will pass.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful poem demarcating the different ways of looking at the present crisis with overall positive or negative views The unknown authour has analysed it beautifully. Many thanks, Suri, for bringing it to our attention. It does give us a lesson not to add to the difficulties of the situation by our own negative attitudes.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure whether Suri knows about this, but I have been advised by my eye surgeons not to spend too much time at the computer. I have been troubled by an eye ailment which finally has been diagnosed as simple blepharitis. But it has been bothering me for almost an year.
ReplyDeleteI am very happy that Speedy is looking after the blog so competently in my absence. Although my name is still there, all articles are vetted and posted by Speedy.
However, I am no literary buff. So I am not in a position to offer any comments on the content of your post. But I certainly want all contributors (and potential contributors) to be encouraged by these rare comments.
Cheers!
This is Zita, trying to add a few words of advice for whatever they are worth, Lucky. I am sorry you have blepharitis to add to your eye troubles. I hope the ones following HZO are all gone or mostly gone. Blepharitis by itself is a harmless but jolly uncomfortable condition. In addition to any antibiotic ointment you've been given, you have to spend a lot of time in gently cleansing the lids, with the lids closed and after that, splash a lot of mild warm water over closed lids. Then dry them with a clean tissue over closed lids. Then apply whatever eye drops or ointment they've prescribed. It is true that doing a lot of work, i.e. 'eye'work in front of a computer or even just reading, tires the eyes so do it in stages. A lot of patience is needed as this condition is chronic. Drink plenty of water, if I didn't say it already. Wear your reading glasses when necessary as accommodation tires out the eyes. I hope the above helps, and pardon me for taking the liberty to say them. I know trying it is for the patient. Keep us posted on the Blog as we all wish you to be free of this condition a s a p!
ReplyDeleteZita, this is very good advice as I am sure a lot of us are affected by this nuisance of blepharitis.
DeleteThank you very much Zita. How I miss my batch mates who are still active, but in retirement! You have hit the nail on the head! Chira and Cassa are retired and I don't want to trouble them. You are out of the country. There are others (Ophthalmologists) who are known to me, but they are all abroad. This is what the brain drain has done!
ReplyDeleteCOMMENT FROM NIHAL (ND)
ReplyDeleteLucky
I understand your reticence to ask retired friends but that’s what friends are for - to help in a difficult situation. I have helped many and consider it a pleasure. Ask for help if it isn’t possible they will let you know. “No “ is also an answer and don’t be upset. We want you to return to your normal happy self. Good luck my friend.
Thank you
Regards
ND
I am not upset at all. It's just that I don't want to bother our batch friends when they are taking a well earned rest. Zita has gone out of the way to help me. I guess the majority of today's consultants simply don't have the time for education.
ReplyDelete