The Emerald Backwaters

 

Each river pens a legend deep,

In flowing dreams where secrets sleep.

But when those gentle streams run dry,

A culture fades, a silent, sorrowful goodbye.

Where Vembanad in silence lies,

Beneath the wide and watching skies—

Small boats carve paths through rippled blue,

While mighty boats with stately sweep pass through.

The birds above, a silent grace,

Etch ink-dark wings on water's face.

On banks where farmers bend and sow,

The lake-wind whispers ancient songs, soft and low.

Their laughter, labors, nets they cast,

Hold stories rooted in a vibrant past.

Children chase the fish they seek,

While time moves slow and voices speak.

Houseboats drift with easy grace,

Through mirrored skies and water’s face.

Tourists wave with shy delight,

As wonders bloom in golden light.

Now dream a town beside this shore,

Where nature’s whispers sing folklore.

Each wave a tale, each breeze a sigh,

A spell of stillness floating by.

A bird calls out—its cry a song,

Where untouched islands wait so long.

The trees, the food, the customs near,

Embrace your soul and draw you near.

Two days—no more—yet time stands still,

In green embrace, on wave and hill.

A paradise the earth has tenderly kept,

Where even stars seem softly swept.

Birdsong blends with rustling leaf,

Composing symphonies past grief.

As twilight melts in amber streams,

Set sail toward Pathiramanal’s dreams.

That island waits in dusky, dreaming hue,

Its sands invite your steps anew.

Soft waves kiss shores without demand,

And trace your stories in the sand.

Night arrives, a fragrant, firefly cheer,

Karimeen sizzles, warm and near,

With laughter, toddy, twilight cheer.

Spices dance upon your tongue,

The day now done, the song begun.

But hush—the lake and you, both share a grace,

A beauty time cannot erase.

Like emerald pearls that gently fall,

Your smile, your laughter—I recall.

The waves that sing in soft delight,

Reflect your soul in morning light.

You calm, you stir, you fade, you shine,

Just like these waters, deep—divine.

And so I long to stand by you,

Where ripples dance in silver hue.

To dream with you beside this shore,

Where lake and love are evermore.

Yet, beneath this tranquil gleam,

The lake cries out a quiet scream.

For human hands and changing skies,

Now dim her light before our eyes.

Yet hearts arise with love and care,

To heal the wounds still breathing there.

They reach as one, this faithful throng,

To keep the lake alive and strong.

In every tide, in every breath,

To guard her soul from silent death,
And gift her voice a living breath.