Solace

by Renton de Alwis

I hear ants talk
dragonflies beam
bees hum tunes
rhythmic blues

I hear lotus breath
flowers yawn
dewdrops sing sad
songs of yore

I hear screeching cries
of babes born
springs of sighs, make
wondrous dreams

I hear waters sing
soft songs of love
dark yonder, bring
hope despair

I hear distant drum
davula* wrapped
slow beat march, mark
horane* blues.

Note:  'Davula' is a Sri Lankan traditional drum used for communication. Wrapped in white clothe, it is used at funeral processions. 'Horane' is the high pitched sound of 'Horanewa' which is an accompanying wind instrument.