Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher

October 25, 2022

 

The poem bears the same title as the late poet Nissim Ezekiel’s poem and is a take on it.

To force the winged creatures to be still
For an enduring photograph
Is not the way for those who
Want to ‘capture’ birds or butterflies.
The best photographers must pray for patience.
Birds love the open sky,
the tall branches of the weeping birches
understanding the principle of camouflage.
Butterflies love flirting with the lens
Defying the concept of stillness.
The photographer is a lover of beauty
Winged creatures must learn to trust
In perfect motivation.
The hunt for a good picture of birds and butterflies
Is an exercise in pure love
Relaxing for prolonged moments at the kitchen window
Or following noiselessly along the garden paths
without stepping on the wind-blown leaves
The birds will alight on the cherry tree
The butterflies settle on a red flower
The photographer’s restraint rewarded.
And sense is found in poets dreaming words and lines
Writing his thoughts on winged creatures in rain or shine
Or evenings when the creatures return to rest
In trees or flowers whatever in their world feels blessed.

 

 

 

Kavita Ezekiel

Kavita Ezekiel Mendonca was born and raised in a Jewish family in Mumbai. She was educated in Mumbai, with Masters’ Degrees in English and Education, from India and the U.K. Her career spanned over four decades, teaching English, French and Spanish. Her first book, Family Sunday and Other Poems was published in 1989. Her poems have appeared in various publications. Kavita is the daughter of the late poet, Nissim Ezekiel.

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