Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Between the Tides - Andaman & Nicobar Islands

There’s a mesmeric world between those tides
where the sun rules and yet the moon decides 

when to reveal the marine realm that flourishes

crabs, corals, sea cucumbers, and starfishes


Sailing and snorkeling into the wild blue yonder

How many more such wonders await? I wonder




















On pure beaches beyond the tropical rainforests 

Baby turtles tumble out as they leave their nests


Tall palms, idyllic coves, and an ocean that glows

the wise mangrove creeks & the mud volcanoes


And to think amidst this was the gory cellular jail

Where each brick is a witness to trial and travail


What a human can do to another is unthinkable

And did we learn anything from it? It’s dubitable 


Oh! There are indigenous tribes on far-off islands 

Shielding their way of life like precious diamonds


Secluded from everyone for thousands of years

With no wish to be under our nosy eyes and ears


Accustomed to ways of the wind and the waves 

They make us ‘advanced’ look like digital slaves


Miles away from the lives we are running to build

Living with bare minimum, they are strong-willed 


Tons of thoughts tossed and turned in my mind

As I sank in my hammock to snooze and unwind


How much is too much and how less is lacking,

to live serenely in this world without cracking?

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