Dr T. Saichandramouli is a retired Reader in English, Railway Degree College, Secunderabad. He is a poet, critic and translator. Many papers of his have been published in reputed journals. He edited two books entitled 'Indian Women's Writings in English' and 'Glimpses of Post -Independence Indian English Novel', in collaboration with Dr Jaydeep Sarangi and Dr Ghanshyam. He reviews literature regularly in various Indian journals. His pen-name is 'Sony Dalia'.
13. Most Pathetic
After Tallikota,
wounded land wailed----
Wily jackals held the day----
cultured clan was cleaved cleverly!
'BACK' wardness ceded first, , Machilipatnam was gifted ,
Guntur was the last to go leaving mother in great grief....
the butcher cared not for courtesy,
drops of blood trickled on sandy desert.
Who longed for British rule?
who was enamoured of English etiquette?
who clamoured for linguistic monopoly?
Ceratainly, alien attitude lacerated tender tongue !
Language----an expression, ability, advantage,
speech , a divine dispensation.....
communication matters most .
Harmony , hall mark of Indian heritage!
Aspirations run astray,
ambitions ambulatory always.....
parched throat most traumatised,
drops of nectar never in sight!
Power and pelf most desired,
people and policy most repugnant.
Kill or cleave, take the seat----
rule or roast, keep eyes shut !
14. On Razor's Edge
Life begins with a cry.
cry does every one through life....
betrayals, betrothals,
blood sucking brothels.....
render life miserable!
When one looks back----
melting minutes, hours and days ,
dissipating memories,
dissolving associations....
devastate, decimate orchards.
What difference does it make----
even if one has monumental legacies,
even if one has fascinating faculties,
even if one gloats over global connections----
life runs as decreed!
For the one who knows .....
bitterness of venom and vipers,
blinding misdemeanour of blighters,
bloated egos blasting blooming buds----
razor's edge is neither sharp nor a challenge!
[ For a friend who lost his only child , a daughter, wife and had to seek voluntary retirement from service]