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| Hema Ravi |
Be a Guest
In silence, I watch the noisy world move past.
No one has time to stop, to lend an ear
To my chronicles of this world so vast…
A rudderless boat is what I now steer.
Creativity has long bid adieu
I am just a square peg in a round hole
Tough to keep pace in this fast-paced milieu
But yes, I'm not too far off from my goal.
Before long, the words will all come to rest
Bring eternal calm when peace stands up tall
Absence in presence proves a fruitful quest
Within folds, life’s tapestry has it all…
***
T├кte-├а-t├кte with a Gen Z
“Traditionally, Groundhog Day continues. People in the town gather to watch the groundhog emerge from its burrow. If a groundhog sees its shadow on a sunny February 2nd, six more weeks of winter will follow; otherwise, spring will come early...” Aunt Polly concluded.
Daniel, the Gen Z, gave a rather sarcastic smile. “Aunt Polly, is there any scientific proof of this? I believe it’s a rather quirky tradition, but it’s fun listening to your Gens’ serious discussions.”
Uncle Roger, who entered, quipped: “Daniel, your scientific questions have begun, eh?”
Daniel went on: “I just want to know if there is any proven data regarding this.” Or is it just another folklore that people trusted for centuries and like to believe it to be true?”
Patting him on the shoulder, Uncle Roger began: “Daniel, you’re entitled to your views.”
“The baby boomers and the earlier generations were fed with a lot of folklore, fairytales, fantasy, and legends. Although these tales may or may not have been true, they always showed respect for nature, animals, birds, and all beings; they often had a universal theme of good versus evil. We accepted without asking questions and developed logical thinking much later in life. Legends were connected to the locales around us and were meaningful to those who understood such environments and climes.”
“Look out! What do you see?”
Daniel peeped out through the curtained window.
“Some trees have shed their leaves; others are still green. There’s a sunny patch above. The ground is barren; some grass is still green o’er there. The ubiquitous squirrels and chipmunks aren’t seen, but I see a bird flying past in haste. Things appear dormant; some things are still vibrant…in the apparent dullness, there’s vibrancy.”
“Wonderful, Daniel! Hibernating mammals and dormant creatures conserve energy, and their activities slow down during the harsh cold season. While swallows, swifts, and songbirds fly down to warmer zones, the crows, hawks, sparrows, and cardinals have adapted themselves well to endure cold weather, they manage to find food.”
“While many of us revel in spending time indoors, with a book or gadgets, a few indulge in winter sports. I just came back from one of those events, you know. Aunt Polly, too, used to accompany me earlier.”
“Today’s the first of February, almost the midpoint between winter solstice and spring equinox. Tomorrow is the second of February. We’ll not be able to go and watch the ‘Punxsutawney Phil’s’ predictions, do you think we could be up early and see if any groundhog emerges from our garden?”
“Why not? That would be great,” replied Daniel.
“So, let’s retire early and be up at the crack of dawn. Else, we may miss our groundhog, if he chooses to make an appearance….”
***
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