Special Edition: Toolika Rani

Toolika Rani

Returning to Base 

Based on the picture ‘Jumping Diving’ by Robert Maddox-Harle

The clouds changed forms- 

sometimes foamy, wispy or looking like a sponge

So did the sky-

when darkened the clouds their snow-white boots 

it took just a while to carpet the wild scarlet and move 

swiftly into the more liminal hues of sobriety and 

a subdued mood. 

The waters below followed suit;

the galloping waves returning to base 

to form a gentle ripple smooth. 

The signal spread, the birds stretched their wings to find a landing safe 

and gliding below, spotted a log, jutting into the sea-surface, 

perched upon this rickety refuse their beautiful necks they gracefully moved 

to survey the calming quietude;

A storm perhaps was being brewed 

against the rigid attitude 

of those who stubbornly refused 

to either change or break the bonds that fettered them to a particular form.

Versatility was the nature’s norm. 

The jetties safe a century before 

were now declared a dangerous spot, 

perhaps the one with a mind hot 

would heed the warning and respond 

to the call of calmness and restraint. 

Wiser at times to loosen the strings of maniac control. 

***

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Setu, March 2025