Kavita Ezekiel
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.
