I Come from a Paradise

 I come from a Paradise

I come from a Paradise who wanted freedom,

But having obtained it will not give it to others;

I come from a Paradise who preach democracy,

But only want it for their fellow families;

I come from a Paradise who cry equality,

But ensure that some are more equal than others;

I come from a Paradise who are always demanding,

But not willing to give to those who are crying.

I come from a Paradise who are supposed to be literate,

But will not do anything until the stars foretell them.

I come from a Paradise who vote for their fancy,

But will jump ship quickly to fulfil their needs.

I come from a Paradise who want to ban slaughter,

But still want their “mussplate” when drinks are being ordered.

I come from a Paradise who offer rice from the moon,

But only a QR code will feed your kids hunger.

I come from a Paradise who bow at the altar,

But show no concerns to the poor on the street.

I come from a Paradise who beg, borrow and steal,

But when it comes to business they are all making deals.

I come from a Paradise who preach compassion,

But at the end of the road there’s only depression.

I come from a Lanka where the people believe,

That even if the ship sinks, the band must play on.

Jan 28, 2023

Seventy Five Years and Counting

 Seventy Five Years and Counting

This year 2023 pushes all of us ’59 Group members into three score and fifteen years of age. Once upon a time in 1959, we were a bunch of young, happy-go-lucky, adventurous lads entering College, some from RPS and others from various other schools across the island.

Looking back over the past sixty four years that have lapsed since then, one is reminded of the popular Beatles track, “When I’m 64”. Would it be appropriate to ask, “Will you still need me, will you still heed me?”

Life has certainly taken a gentle course through times and tribulations of BP checks, controlled salt intakes, fasting blood sugar, HDL & LDL Cholesterol, ECGs, EEGs, Chaemo, Greens, Walks, Exercise, Wheelchairs, Walking Sticks, and even solemn moments of hopeful Prayer, and has now established its final phase upon us, on a very serious note pushing us slowly, but surely, towards gardens of green and rivers of blue.

Career, Research, Professions, Business, Relationships, Marriage, Children, Family, Divorce, and even Grandkids, in many cases, have overtaken our lives at such a hectic pace that the time left now is more or less spent online on WhatsApp and FB sharing dirty clips, corny joke, and some political banter.

Fifty-one lovely dudes have moved on to the other side and must certainly be having a better time there than most of us here? 

Looking back, one reminisces the wonderful times we had in the classrooms, along the corridors, inside the VPs office, Saranapala’s canteen, and also romping across the grassy playing fields, where, cricket, rugby, athletics, tennis, hockey, the gym, and many other pleasurable pastimes were enjoyed and endured.

May the remaining members of the Group be blessed with comfort, convenience, health, peace of mind, tranquility and prosperity for the rest of the time we have left on this planet!

Amen!

Fazli / Sat Jan 28 2023