Winding-up is not easy.

My daughter Preeta was leaving her job, her academic, professional and personal ties in the US for good, to return to India to get married. She was relocating her future life elsewhere. I understood her emotional upheaval and the physical strain of winding-up alone with no assistance from anyone. The poem that I sent had its effect as, according to Preeta, ‘whenever I was low, I read it and got re-energised. It was a great feeling as it boosted my morale’. I am happy that the effect was right since I wanted her to feel the invisible support. - Shanta


Winding-up is not easy

Winding-up is not easy
Closing shop is difficult
So think that there is no option
And your mind will not go tumult….

Loosening ties is heart-wrenching
Giving-up gives a mental uproar
So think positive – it’s your choice
Your life, future, and much more….

Concentrate on the work at hand
Keep a deadline for each task
Finish one; go to the next, then
Relax in the sun and bask….

‘So much work, so much to finish
And so little time’ - is what you pine
Then think of the trophy that’s close at hand
Go, win, get into the finishing line!!!

Start, begin, my little darling girl
We’ll all be together in days, just few
Think of us n you’ll get the energy
Our heart is there, and prayers too !!!

GOOD LUCK and GOD BLESS….

© Shanta Ramakrishnan
(October 2006)
--ooOoo--

THE POWER FROM ABOVE !!

There are times when we do think
That we know everything,
Then we proudly step ahead, and
Realise with a jolt in our head,
That there is actually a power above
The cool command, that we cannot shove!!

Please note that the pull He has on us
Is indeed something beyond our guess
Slowly, but surely, we come to know
Of the power He invariably shows....
So, continue to do your sensible work
The end will be sweet, as He's no jerk

Fruits of labour is always sweet
If humility in thinking, it does meet
In whatever you do, be sincere,
For the onward march, do not fear,
Since you have Him on your side,
Things will be right, as time will decide!!

© Shanta Ramakrishnan
(December 1994)

Good Deed, Indeed!!

This is a narration of my feelings one sweaty afternoon in 1997, in the crowded Vidyavihar train station in Mumbai. A spontaneous gesture and a good reaction, what an unforgettable experience! - Shanta

Good Deed, Indeed!
Today is a good day
It makes me feel so nice
I fed a little begger
With a musical device

He was small, mere six year old
With sharp, twinkling eyes
He had a heavy instrument
And he played for a price

He was frail, a little waif
But had strength from within
It was melody to our ears
That came from hands, so thin

He got some alms, just a few
And got off the crowded train
Stopped besides the snacks bar
And stared at the wares lain

He looked hungry, but was quiet
I liked his stance and pride
I bought him food and saw him eat
His instrument kept aside

He didn't talk, but just the nod
Said so much, I could see
He was poor, but what a talent!
He was a prodigy!!

I felt happy I could help
Just feed a needy chap
I wish, in time, he gets a name
His poverty should snap!!

© Shanta Ramakrishnan
(May 1997)

Why Wo(men's) Day??

Ajay yelled, "Hey, come here Bharathi,
What is this day called?"
"March 8 ? It's Women's Day!" she replied,
"Oh!" Ajay looked appalled...

"Why give them the day's glory?
What's so special? Why Women's Day?"
Bharathi was patient, ready to make the time
She was happy to have her say....

"There are many kinds of women,
Throughout this vast universe,
Some well settled, right on top,
A few, struggling or worse...

Woman has always been very strong
Unlike the general notion,
She is a pillar, even while alone,
With a variety of ideas n emotions

Though oft termed, the 'weaker sex'
Ironically she's otherwise,
She is as strong as a solid rock
Creative, humane, and very very nice

She can prove herself in any field
And show she is second to none
Lends a shoulder when you're down
She's practical, a compassionate one

Behind the scene, she is a great support,
She is sharp and articulate,
She has a bright rainbow of qualities
She makes a wonderful mate...

Physically she can beget children,
A godly quality, so unique,
She bears the pain, she rears the kids
She makes them strong, not meek

With all the above woven together,
She still woos you, O, Man!!
So one day in three sixty five (365) days,
Dedicate to the WOMAN - you can!!!!"

© Shanta Ramakrishnan
(March 08, 2004)

SIES-1969 School Reunion...Down the memory lane

It was a reunion with a difference!! Many students who completed SSC (Std XI) from SIES High School, Matunga, Mumbai in March 1969, met after 39 years in the school premises on February 24, 2008. It was an emotional and nostalgic experience for all (now in 50s), who attended the reunion. Here is a recap of the event in my words. Shanta.

It all started with a mere phone-call
That was Vasantha, my SIES school pal
She wondered if we could all meet
Surprised, I thought, “What a treat!”

So Dr. Mani, Santhanam, Vasantha and a few
Started the ball rolling, and as if by cue
Many enlisted, ready for reunion
Happy and eager, that’s my opinion!

On Sunday morn, February Twenty Fourth
I had my heart pounding, as I set forth
Met a few friends, sooner than I thought
At Nahur station, the same train, we got

Ananthi, Janaki and Gauri were there
‘Hi’ and happy smiles, all of us shared
We moved real fast, not to be late,
Soon we were at the SIES gate…

From here on I express my own feelings
Going down memory lane… it was so reeling
With nostalgia, I stood a minute, transfixed
Those years in flash-back, in memory, fixed.

We entered our school, and saw a beaming face
It was Dr. Mani- Subbu, to friends of schooldays
Suddenly I spotted a familiar smile
R.Mahalakshmi’s, sure, I could tell from a mile!

C.E. Geeta, the lady from Syndicate Bank
My bench mate, we e’en shared some ranks!
Bhanu the fair dame, teacher from Bangalore
Who too was in Sion, I remembered for sure….

Then a dazzling smile hovered, and hit me hard
Mmm.. must be someone who takes you off-guard,
The lady’s elegance made me ponder
Yes, it was A. Radha!! I got my answer!!

Dear Rathi walked in with her quiet hubby
I thought of the days when she was very chubby
Slim, well dressed, her daughters married…
Now she is a grandma, a charming one indeed

We registered our contacts, met more classmates
Some arrived with spouses, their life-mates
We were then directed to the breakfast site
The food was delicious, we tasted every bite

When in school, we never talked to boys
Still, faces were familiar, of some of the guys
Soon we all connected, with laughter and uproar
The SIES-69 Reunion began to soar!

Teachers were escorted carefully to the seats
Most, in late 70s, were happy with this Meet
It was our privilege to have them over
To pay our respects to the teaching staff, ever

Vasantha graced by lighting the lamp
Amid hurray, cheers and loud claps
The meeting commenced with national anthem, then
‘Guru Vandana’ sung by daughter of Santhanam

The welcome speech, followed by SIES history,
Sri. Muthuswami Iyer’s photo, garlanded with dignity
The school’s growth was showed by a presentation
The visual ascent, with a catchy oration

We spotted chalks, duster and a black board
Algebra class of KRK Sir! We were not bored!!
Going back to our teens, we all sat down
Answering (a+b)2 in chorus, without any frown

We could feel the animation in Sir’s voice
Knew the commitment to his professional choice
He taught us Maths, contemporary style too,
The hall shook with laughter without any taboo.

The teachers were honored by a gift and bouquet
A token of respect from our heart, I say
Display of emotions unabashedly shown -
The eternal bond of Guru Shishya is well known!

Radha, Ravi, Shekar, Vasantha and a few
Exchanged views of SIES, then and now
Dr. Mani (Subbu) talked of commitment
As an active alumni, and got our assent!

Then the intro began, each one got a chance
To give a small gist of self, without any prance
Listening to the progress of family n profession,
We cheered everyone, at the good oration.

Our friend and batch-mate Selvaraj dear
Was the caterer, his profession was clear!
We went on to taste the lovely lunch laid
Amid food and chatter, compliments were paid

To continue this bond of Reunion Day
Each February we meet, on the last Sunday
This was the unanimously taken decision
‘ Giving back to SIES’ is our mission…..

With points coming up, as if by magic,
Discussions of donations n service were mere logic
A plan to lead, and be an active troupe
That will be our SIES-1969 GROUP!

Soon it was time for me to leave
Quite a bit in a day, we had achieved
My heart was full, and my eyes were moist
I consider this Reunion, a new flag hoist!

©Shanta Ramakrishnan (A.K.Shanta/SIES1969/XI-D)