How To Commemorate Human Tragedies

When we commemorate one human atrocity or tragedy, it is good to reflect on ALL such human tragedies everywhere and reflect on the conditions and attitudes that led to them. That is the only truly meaningful way to remember and make a change for the better.

Competitive and selective commemoration or 'honoring' of one set of human victims only shows up hypocrisy more clearly and leads to worse hate and resentment. It keeps the cycle of hatred and atrocities going.


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2015


All rights reserved 

The Nicest Things About: The UK

Hi Folks! I know, I know, many of you are wondering why it took me so long to write this up. You probably expect me to take a snide swipe at the UK, saying it took me so long because it was hard. But no! It was not hard. I have known these for a long time. I just have been distracted and diverted from doing this by other things that came my way. 

I have never been to the UK so I must make this list from observing the things I have come across coming out of the UK or what I have read/seen about the country from authoritative sources.


1. Some of the best writers I have read.

-  George Bernard Shaw - his humanist philosophy, his writing and a love of the language
- P.G. Wodehouse - His humour, wit and humanity
- Enid Blyton - very readable stories that subtly inspire children. A bit racist in outlook (common in her times) but builds self-confidence and sparks dreams of doing good things in life in young readers.

2. James Clerk Maxwell - The one wrote up the Maxwells equations of Electromagnetism. There is a tradition of excellent engineers and scientists from the UK.


3. A widespread belief in themselves that they can be the best in the world, but balanced with the self-confidence that they don't HAVE to be the best in the world in everything.

4. Some of the best music and musicians writing meaningful lyrics.

5. A sense of unity, ability to form teams that perform well - keeping individualism and individual ego in the right perspective while achieving a broader goal.

6. Very good at organizing themselves, sticking up for each other abroad or when against other people, races or countries. Stiff upper lip, coolness under stress.

7. Much longer term perspective in politics and planning. Put the right perspectives in people's health, surroundings, welfare. Build lasting institutions to maintain infrastructure and traditions.

8. Humour - many of the more subtle, odd and quirky types of humor that are great.

9. Great culture and tradition of art, handicraft, woodworking.

10. One of the best cultures of building and maintaining railways as a fun hobby.

11. Some of the most intelligent, smart, kind and honest people I have known - who will call a spade a spade. Very liberal and open in their outlook.Many of them are British at heart even if they have made their homes elsewhere.

12. Very enterprising, risk taking, venturing far and wide to make a fortune (even in the honest, hardworking way). Daring, not easily intimidated. A small number can usually achieve or do things that larger number of other people will not dare to. 

13. Ability to appreciate the finer and best things in life and willingness to learn from the best anywhere.

14 Great gardeners!!



Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2015


All rights reserved 

Future Love - A Poem

A Middle Aged Heart In Search Of Love

It is by our actions or by fate

That we are both a little late

In finding for ourselves a soulmate

Or even just someone to date

I'm sure you are out there

You just need to find me

I am not sure how or where

But my friends do remind me

Our paths will cross one day

Maybe at work or perhaps at play

I'll see you come my way

And you'll take my breath away

We have spent all these years

Apart, not yet having met

Missed a lot of laughs and tears

And the memories they beget

There are still a few miles to go

In our journey through this life

If you're the one, you'll know

And want to be my wife

Take your time to know me well

But don't you take too long

With time you can never tell

Like the ending of a song

There are still more laughter and tears

To share with you, in the coming years

There are yet more memories still to be made

To sit next to you in the summer shade

So read the hearts and minds you see

And put out all your charms

I hope you find your way to me

And jump into my arms

For there you'll find for yourself

The home of your heart

And I will find in you for myself

A new love for a start!

Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2015

All rights reserved 

The Honest Romantic's Saga - Part 5

Hearing that HRRomeo thought the list of expectations of man from a woman on the online website was 'good', Juliet and her friend’s jaws dropped open in apparent horror. HRRomeo did not seem to notice it.

“What?” they asked in sync.

Juliet’s friend continued, “You think it a good list? This is what a man seeks in a woman and it is OK in this day and age?”

“Of course! It is a good list of capabilities for ANY day and age, isn’t it?” replied HRRomeo, “All the things one hopes for and can rightfully expect in a partner. I think it is quite reasonable. Do you have any objections to any part of the list?”

The girls exchanged meaningful glances.

Juliet started, “How about these parts  -

“Financially independent: Working or independently wealthy to provide financially for the family.

AND

Must have ability to cook, clean, garden, drive and take care of the children, if any. Would be a plus if she can do handy jobs around the house too.”

This guy wants it ALL!! She must earn and provide AND do the house chores and take care of the kids too!!  And he has the gall to demand she know how to treat a man!! Should she massage his feet after he comes back from his walk?”

“Yes, that would be a nice romantic thing to do for him. It would set up the mood for the night,” replied HRRomeo.

Now both the girls looked at him as if he were some kind of alien.

“Romeo!! Are you serious? You are surely kidding!!”

“No Juliet, I am not!” replied HRRomeo, sounding very sincere.

“Can you explain why you think it is a good list? And reasonable?” asked Juliet, shaking her head like she was not sure she understood this man she had been seeing for some time. She was also embarrassed in front of her close friend.

“Well, every family needs to be provided for financially, chores have to be done, kids have to be taken care of. It is not all work, there should be some extra efforts for romance too! Anyone willing to enter into a marriage or relationship should be able to contribute in all these areas, in this day and age as you say! Is it not reasonable for a man to expect this in a woman? I think a woman has as much right to expect the same from a man. Would you be as shocked if a woman expected the same list from a man? ” asked HRRomeo.

“Of course not! A woman cannot do all the things herself and she can expect a man to help out at home as well after his work,” answered Juliet, “This guy seems to expect the woman to do everything.”

“But he does not say so in what I have heard so far,” replied HRRomeo.

There was a sudden silence and the girls looked at each other with a puzzled look. They had only read the profile as far as this list but had not gone beyond this. Just reading this far had outraged them so much that they had called the nearest man to answer for the rest of his kind.

“Well, we did not read beyond this point. No woman will likely either. This guy is going to his grave alone!” sniggered the girls.

“Well, look further in his profile and see what he writes,” suggested HRRomeo.

“What does he himself expect to do for this relationship?” asked Juliet’s friend.

“That is a good question,” agreed HRRomeo, “Look further in his profile if there is something about it.”

The girls read further. At the end of the profile was a line under the section was written - “Something more about me:  My partner has a right to expect everything of me that I expect from her, except to give birth to our children and nurse them. I will do something to make up for that!”

“Well, that’s right there! He does not say she has to do everything. He surely is willing to do the same things, as I understand what he means,” said HRRomeo.

“We cannot make that assumption. He does not specify it clearly enough,” said the girls doubtfully.

“Well, you did make the opposite assumption about him, without reading his profile completely. To my mind this is clear enough. Still, you ask him clearly when communicating with him. Maybe he wants a woman who is patient, does not jump to conclusions and makes assumptions too quickly, without hearing everything. Maybe he wants such a calm, smart woman who is a true equal,” replied HRRomeo.

There was quietness in the room. The girls went back to reading the profiles.

-To Be Concluded --.


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2015


All rights reserved 

The Honest Romantic's Saga - Part 4

HRRomeo and his Juliet were visiting her best friend one weekend for dinner. Juliet was helping her find a match on this online dating site. They were, together, going over a list of profiles of men to narrow down the choices. After considering her experience so far, Juliet and her friends considered her something of an expert.

Now, if you are wondering how Juliet and HRRomeo were still together after reading the previous part of this narrative, I am sure you know you are not alone. Many of their friends were aghast at the number of things HRRomeo could not remember about Juliet and the carefree, open manner in which he admitted to it, when quizzed. They were all stunned when he did not even notice the shoes she was wearing to the anniversary party of their friends. Everyone was curious as to how it would turn out. Most would predict that Juliet herself would be headed to the dating site soon. Sorry to disappoint you if you thought so too. Well, this is what actually happened.

“So my HRRomeo, you did not even notice the shoes I am wearing right now to this party?!!” asked Juliet with a slight tinge of incredulity that caused her voice to rise above others.

“That’s right!!” exclaimed HRRomeo innocently and with a sense of relief.

“You do not know my favourite colour or the date we met or the flowers I like?” she wanted him to confirm all these, in front of all the witnesses.

 Many of the other women interrupted their torture of their mates to watch the storm break. The men were thankful for the interruption and many tried to sneak looks at their mate’s shoes, hair, earrings or anything that they could lay their eyes on quickly. Inevitably, all eyes and ears turned towards Juliet and HRRomeo.

“Yes, that is true indeed! It so interesting that one can forget details of significant dates, days in life or fail to notice or recollect details of things that we see so often. Isn’t it strange how the human mind works?” HRRomeo posed his own question at the end back to Juliet. If ever a spark needed fuel to become a flame, this was exactly the kind of thing our Romeo needed to do.

There were gasps of disbelief and a feeling of impending lightning strike with thunderbolts to add to the show. All other voices went silent.

“Oh! You think so? Do you think it is easy for people to forget or not notice things that are important to them, Darling? Is that how your mind works, Sweetie?” Juliet’s tone became real sweet and its temperature dropped to freezing.

Quite oblivious to the sudden chill in the atmosphere, HRRomeo earnestly replied with a confident air.

 “No Juliet! It is very difficult to forget the _important_ things in life, but one can easily forget or not notice the less significant details about them!” He smiled with a satisfied air at his explanation and looked around the room.

Everyone in the room was stunned. Just when they thought HRRomeo’s plight could not get any worse, it seemed, he was determined to dig himself deeper!

“Oh! I see now! You don’t remember insignificant details like our anniversary, my favourite colours, dress, songs or dislikes. Hmm… Romeo, ARE there things you consider significant or important things worth remembering, in our relationship? ARE there things that you HAVE noticed about me? Can you remember some, Romeo dearest?” Juliet asked, honey dripping in her voice. Icicles started to form on the ceilings of the room. Everyone experienced a slight shiver and drew their clothes around them a little tighter.

“Of course I have noticed and remember a lot of things about you!! I have observed even little things that are not really important. But I like them and notice them anyway! I do remember many of them,” said HRRomeo brightly.

It seemed our HRRomeo would be clueless even if someone came up to him with a big blunt instrument in bright, flashing neon colours and knocked him on the forehead and yelled at him, ‘STOP!! STOP talking and making things worse for yourself and Juliet!  Man!! How dense can you be?”

“Can you share with us all some of them, Romeo darling?” asked Juliet in a strangely calm, even voice. She had, by a Herculean effort, managed to count to ten, slow down her breathing and lower her blood pressure. Many of her long-time friends recognised this as the proverbial ‘calm before the storm’ or as the ‘eye of the hurricane’.

“Sure, Juliet!” said HRRomeo, cheerfully.

He then continued, “I remember seeing you for the first time, from a distance. You had not noticed me as I walked in around a corner. I saw you sitting in front of the restaurant, looking down at your handbag on your lap. Your hair was falling down in front of your face. I could see your crimson lips pursed up in a slight frown of concentration as you checked something. Your eyelids were down and you were reading a text on your phone. Suddenly, you smiled to yourself. You then looked up, but not at me. I saw your eyes for the first time. They looked a different colour in real life from that in your online picture. You looked over to your side as you brushed away your hair that was blocking your sight. I noticed some of the hair caught in your big earrings (don’t ask me exactly which pair) that you were wearing, and you panicked and gently untangled them. You then brushed your hair down quickly. You tapped your crossed feet together as you waited to spot me.

I noticed the first look of surprise when you caught sight of me. You then had an amused expression. I was wondering if I had something glaring and out of place that you were too polite to point out.

I notice that you always swallow the last word and choke up as you say goodbye to your mother at the end of your phone call.

I notice that you always put the larger portion of the chicken pieces on my plate when we share a meal together. I notice that you wait for me to take the first bite before we get started eating. I notice you give me the crispier part of the fries or chicken.

I notice that you have a habit of biting part of your lower lip on one side, as you think deeply about something or weighing up something. You let go of the lip when you have decided.

I notice that when you are upset or angry with yourself about something, you turn your head away to the side and silently swear, barely mouthing your expletives. I notice then you try to count to ten silently, while looking down at the ground or your feet.

I notice that on Fridays you don’t like to do the dishes right after dinner because you watch your favourite program on TV, even though it is your day to do them. You do it much later, just before going to bed. On some days that I do them without your knowledge, you notice and always serve me a snack and beer or a drink when I am in front of the TV. You then pick up my plates and wash them right away, even if it is my day to do the dishes!

I note that you like to carry your sandals (thongs) with you to the edge of the water on the beach. You like to set them down on the wet sand and wear them soon before the dry sand sticks to your wet feet! But then you struggle at the car with some sand getting between your soles and the sandals anyway after we have made it to the parking lot!

I notice that you look at yourself in the mirror twice from each angle as you put on your make up. You stretch out your arms and legs before you walk out in a dress as you try it on.

I notice that you like to hold your sister’s baby and rock it to sleep. You have an unforgettable expression when you see it has finally fallen asleep. It appears you cannot wait to have your own child.

I notice how fierce you become when you see someone not being nice or rude to me. I remember how angry you became and told off that fruit vendor who tried to cheat me at the market!

I remember how you tried to hide your anger towards your cousin, in front of me. You thought one of her comments to me was snide, even though you thought I had not noticed it. You did your best not to let me know she was being a bit cheeky. You tried and smoothed it over between us. I noticed you dealt with her privately.

I noticed and remember you being hurt and feeling the pain when I did not get the raise I hoped for, after putting in a great effort last year at work. You quietly shelved our plans for another holiday abroad.

I remember the momentary break in your voice as you asked me “How are you? Are you alright?” when I called you from the hospital after that minor traffic accident when I was delayed coming home.”

The icicles in the ceiling melted away as did most of the hearts in the room, especially Juliet’s.  HRRomeo continued on with his list for a while longer, until he had to stop as Julie could no longer check her tears. His long list of recollections was heard by Juliet in private, later, in many doses.

Well, anyway, back to the present. Juliet was reading out the profile of a man on the dating website. She called over HRRomeo to come over. He was watching TV while Juliet and her girlfriend were at the computer working on the profiles and chatting away in the adjoining room.

“Come over here a moment, darling! I want you to listen to this and tell me what you think?” Juliet said with an ominous glee in her tone. It did not bode well for mankind (more accurately for menkind, or atleast a certain kind of men).

HRRomeo, dutifully, turned off the TV and walked over. He walked in and stood at the door. Juliet smiled at him.

“Here is what a man wants in a woman he is seeking as life partner.

Requirements in a partner:

Physical attraction important. Must be healthy and fit with an ability to maintain an active, energetic lifestyle.

Education. At least some college or professional skill a must.

Financially independent: Working or independently wealthy to provide financially for the family.

Must have ability to cook, clean, garden, drive and take care of the children, if any. Would be a plus if she can do handy jobs around the house too.

Must have a sense of humour, emotionally healthy and mature. A spirit of fun and the desire to enjoy life and explore. Should know how to treat a man. A sense of adventure and romance is sought.

Spiritual outlook is necessary without being too religious.”

With each sentence Juliet’s friend seemed to emit little squeaks and squeals and expressions of surprise or some intense feeling.

“Well, what do you think?” Juliet asked. Her friend has this incredulous expression on her face. If our HRRomeo could have read their collective expression, it would have screamed, “What?!!! In this day and age? When did this male chauvinist caveman come to life suddenly?”

Apparently, HRRomeo did not read their expression. He was listening intently to the list. He asked Juliet to repeat the list, since he had been a bit distracted by the exclamations and expressions the first time around.

“So what do you think?” Juliet asked him at end of the second reading, obviously expecting something from the male perspective.

“Well, sounds good to me. A good list!” said HRRomeo.

--To Be Continued ---

Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2015

All rights reserved 

The Honest Romantic's Saga - Part 3

HRRomeo and his Juliet were at the anniversary party of their common friends. That couple had just gotten engaged. Everyone was sitting around the living room after a sumptuous dinner.

Now, many of you might wonder how our HRRomeo and his Juliet were still together after reading the previous part of their story. Well, here is what happened at the  dinner in the classy karaoke restaurant after we last left off.

“So you would not want to bring down The Moon for me and lay the stars at my feet?” asked Juliet, trying hard to maintain a neutral tone and not let any frostiness creep into it.

“No!” affirmed HRRomeo, quite clearly and confidently.

“Is that not sweet of that A___ who just said what he would like to do for his partner? Don’t you think that is great?” Juliet asked, a clear challenge in the tone.

“Well, A__ can say anything he wants, but he definitely cannot do anything like he says. It is totally impossible and impractical. If his partner chooses to be impressed with that, it is her choice. I know A____ well. He comes from a very rich family. Their lawyers are right now drawing up a prenuptial agreement for their upcoming engagement and wedding, so that if they were to split, she would not get more than 2% of the vast family wealth and estate that A___ is entitled to,” said HRRomeo, evenly.

As that bit of information sank in, Juliet calmed down a bit from within. She was still a bit annoyed at HRRomeo for not wanting to do such things for her.

“Well? What do you feel like doing for me?” Juliet continued still hopeful of atleast something halfway decent.

HRRomeo again thought for a few seconds. A bit more delay and he would have been in deeper trouble.

He looked at Juliet, into her expectant eyes shining with the reflected lights from around, with a calm confidence. He held her hand and quietly said, “I do not have any fortune like A___. All I have is some small savings and my job. As long as I own or have anything, I will share it with you. You can treat it just as you would your own. If I have my last loaf of bread, you can have half. Why, a bit more than half.”

He continued.

“As long as I have a roof over my head, you can live with me. You can have half my bed. Why half, you can have more than that. You get first dibs on which side you want to sleep on.

If I have my last clothing to wear, I will give you the shirt off my back. It will be long and big enough to cover your legs a bit too. For various reasons, I suspect you would not want me to give you the pants off my hips...

When we travel on public transport, if there is only one seat available, you can sit either on the seat or on my lap.

You can spend my last dime. That is all I can do. I cannot bring down The Moon and stars.”

Juliet knew he meant every word and would do exactly that. She melted into his arms. She did not notice much of the proceedings from then on, except when HRRomeo went up to the stage and sang an old favourite song of theirs that had a stomping rhythm. Everyone joined in it, stamping their feet, even while sitting. They went back home, late, happy and tired.

Now, coming back to the anniversary at their friends’ place, just after the man had proposed and the woman had accepted. Everyone wanted to hear their story of how they had first met. They asked the man to recount it first, so that the woman could correct all the details afterwards!

“It was the 16 of March, a Thursday. We were both at the lounge in the restaurant at the airport. I saw this stunning woman in a light blue dress, with a silver brooch on her left shoulder that was shaped like a Swan. The folds of the dress under the brooch were like waves. She was reading a book. I commented on that as I asked if I could sit down in the seat opposite to her if it was not taken. She said “OK, go ahead!” then continued to read her book. Then as the waiter came up, she ordered coffee with cream and no sugar. I ordered exactly the same, though I normally have it with sugar…”

The newly engaged man continued to recount many of the things in great detail. After he finished, he got a good round of applause.

Everyone was impressed! All the women looked at their own partners. Many men had guilty looks. As tea was being served, many one-on-one inquisitions began. The women started to ask their personal captives questions on what they remembered about the details of their relationship.

Our HRRomeo too was trapped in a corner of a couch. He did not seem too aware of the peril he was in. He smiled innocently.

“Now, Dear! Do you remember the date we first met?” she asked quietly, as a start.

“No! Not off the top of my head,” he replied readily, honestly.

“Do you know what dress I was wearing then?” she continued.

“No! Not exactly! Were you wearing your grey jeans? ” he replied.

“No dear! Never mind. Do you know my favourite colour?” she asked.

“No, I have not noted that. I see you have things in various colours that you like,” HRRomeo continued valiantly.

Juliet pulled up her feet quickly under her and covered her lap and feet with her shawl and asked, “Do you know what colour and type of shoes I am wearing right now?” she asked. Many around her saw the warnings signs of an approaching thunderstorm.

Quite ignorant of the approaching Armageddon, HRRomeo smiled and replied, “Hey! You are cheating, you hid them under you before I could notice them!!”

---- To Be Continued ----




Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2015


All rights reserved 

The Honest Romantic's Saga - Part 2

One evening, our Honest Romantic Romeo (henceforth abbreviated as HRRomeo) and his love were having dinner at a classy karaoke restaurant with other couples who were friends. It was meant to be a romantic weekend night for them together after a busy work week.

Now, I suppose many of you are wondering how those two are still together after reading the previous part of the story. Perhaps you imagined that bit of honesty about her rear end would have been the end of our Romeo’s relationship! Perhaps many of the women are wondering why the Juliet still has him around and had not given him marching orders!

Well, don’t you all jump to conclusions and judgements too early without knowing more about the details of what actually happened and understand these two lovebirds!!

It so happens that the woman actually means what she says (yes, we all know, it is a rare quality in women, but she was a rare one)! She actually does love honesty AND the bloke IS honest and romantic.

You can judge for yourself after reading further.

That night, after our HRRomeo pronounced his judgement about the size of her posterior, this is what happened.

“So you think my butt is big?” she asked.

“Yes, as compared to the average,” he replied honestly.

“So do you think I am ugly? Or unsightly with a big butt?” she asked querulously, she was quite upset.

“No! I think you look beautiful, especially with that butt. I was attracted to your shape from the very first day we met. Do you remember how you were sitting outside the café where we met and after getting up and shaking my hand, we walked up to the door?

As I opened the door for you, you passed me by, ahead of me and walked in, I followed behind your behind. I was very pleasantly surprised as you kept walking and I kept following. I wished they had a long, long path to our table. I could have followed you for miles!” said HRRomeo.

Now our Juliet’s expression changed. All the hurt and anger was gone. She was seeing the honesty and true romantic nature of this man.

“That’s such a sweet thing to say! Do you really think so? What went through your mind that day?” she asked, all sweetness, wanting to hear more.

“Well, I definitely thought you were so much better looking than average, all around. You had a killer look walking up to me or walking away.  A popular Hindi song came to mind,” he replied.

“What song?” now she was intrigued.

“Deewaana Mujhsa Nahin, Is umber ke neechey,

Aage hai, Qaathil mera, aur mein peechey peechey!” sang HRRomeo.

[Translation: There is no one crazy man in love like me under the sky, Ahead of me is my killer and I am behind, behind.]

It is surely a Freudian coincidence that the English translation too ends in the repetition of the word ‘behind’ which can be understood in two ways, and make a perfectly apt pun.

All through the rest of the evening, Juliet heard more and more, poetic and romantic, descriptions of her big butt from Romeo. It seemed she could not have enough. It brought them closer and his honesty and romantic nature made their bond stronger, at least on that issue. Juliet was starting to understand how complex a creature a man is and how difficult it is for women to understand his mind and thinking!

So there!  Now coming back to the dinner at the Karaoke restaurant, it was a lovely setting. Some men stepped up to the stage and sang serenades or songs for their partners.

One valiant Casanova was up at the mike making a brief speech, supposedly addressed to his lady, but really for all to listen and take note.

 “For you, I will reach up into the sky and pull The Moon down and set it next to you for your night light. I will pluck all the stars and scatter them at your feet. I will save the brightest one to mount on a ring that I will put on your finger at our wedding!”  he went on. Then he sang a song that had the same general idea.

Tears flowed from many women’s eyes and ‘AAwww’s  emanated from many. Silently, many men were cursing that show-off!! Now they had to at least match or top that!

Many women looked deeply into the eyes of their partners. Some, our Juliet among them, had the thoughtlessness to ask their Romeos, “Would you do that for me? Do you feel like that?”

Of course, our HRRomeo too heard this question posed to him. He seriously thought about it for a second (taking too long to answer in such situations is actually worse than a wrong answer!!).

Then he replied quietly and confidently, “Oh No! Sorry, I don’t feel like that. I cannot do anything like that either.”

--To Be Continued -----


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2015


All rights reserved 

The Honest Romantic's Saga - Part 1

"Does my butt look big in this dress?" she asked her truthful, romantic partner who she had met online. She had clearly stated that honesty was an absolute necessity and a deal-breaker. She had ranked the requirement of his being 'romantic' fairly high. He had answered “Yes” on both counts.

She saw he was looking at his mobile phone as she asked the question and it seemed he was busy and did not hear her question. Actually, he had heard her question while in the middle of attending to his phone, as he sat ready, waiting for her to getting ready to go out to a friend's party.

"Hey! Tell me! Does my butt look big in this?" she asked again as she posed in the dress she was trying out, standing in front of the mirror, with her rear end  pushed out suggestively in front of his face, looking behind over her shoulder as he sat on the bed behind her.

He finished with the phone and looked up from the phone and studied her carefully and then replied.

'Yes! It does!" he answered honestly.

"So what do you suggest I wear in which my butt will not look so big?" she asked.

"I cannot think of any particular dress," he answered.

"Come on!! You are not being helpful! You cannot just say it looks big in this dress and not suggest a good alternative," she reproached him.

"Well, I just cannot think of any other dress that will make a difference," he replied.

"I knew, I don’t have enough dresses. I should have bought that new dress we saw in the mall yesterday. Don't you think?" she seemed very upset and down now.

"No! I don’t think so," answered our romantic Romeo.

"Why?" she was almost in tears now.

"Well, I think you have enough dresses. It is not the dress, it is your butt. It will be the same size, no matter which dress you wear," answered our honest, romantic Romeo.

-- To Be Continued ---



Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2015


All rights reserved 

EngliSHER (Slaying Lions In English)

The original Sher form of poetry is a cultural tradition, going back hundreds of years, in the region of Northern India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Persia. It is product of the merging of the Indian, Persian and Arab cultures. 

EngliSHER (pronounced 'Ingli-Share') is the Sher form of poetry composed in English (it would be DeutsCHER if it were in German).

I believe most of the best human art forms, Sher included, express deep human emotions, feelings and mood that can be recognised, understood and felt by people regardless of their language or culture.


While I am sure some will be scandalized at the thought, here are some 'Sher's (poems) in English. Keep in mind, even 'Rap' had its own shaky beginnings! I hope the next generation, from Indian or Pakistani background that have exposure to the Western culture, can take this over, perfect this and put it out into the wider world. It will certainly improve their language skills and cultural sophistication. There is no place for crudity, offensive, vulgar language or cheap innuendo in Sher. Neither should there be in EngliSHER. No gratuitous swearing, f** words or anything like that should be considered acceptable as part of a true Sher.

The following are solely my attempts and I accept all the blame and outrage that anyone cares to express. I imagined how it would be to have the Sher (Lion) form of poetry in the modern English language and wondered if it could convey a small measure of the feelings and mood of the original form in Urdu and Hindi. In some cases, it might sound positively odd to begin with, but the key is to get into the mood and feeling of the poet or the person rendering it. The punch line should bring out the final mood and message. The atmosphere certainly matters. But most of the Shers do evoke such a mood and mental image of the setting, very quickly, within the first verse or two. And then comes the punch line that delivers the arrow to the soul.  It is a lot like the line "He ain't heavy, He's my brother" composed by Bobby Scott and Bobby Russell. Hearing a few Shers to begin with can certainly get one into the mood.


Note:  Sher does not have to rhyme entirely, especially in the punch line. Verses that rhyme in one language might likely never rhyme in another, if they are to convey the exact same thought, so some of the 'punch' is lost inevitably. The chances of rhyming are much better if the Sher is composed in the language it is to be delivered. The following are composed originally in English, so they will likely not have the same effect if translated into another language.


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SHER 1:

Poet:
She has slayed a thousand hearts until now,
a thousand hearts until...
Until she saw the love in his eyes,
and her own breath stood still,
Her heart beat so fast and loud, 
she shook with every beat,
She felt the kind of love he felt
and could not stand up on her feet.

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SHER 2:

Son: 
I took and took from you, Mother!
I took and took from you, Father!
I took life
I took nourishment
I took your blood, sweat and tears
I took your years
Now, what can I give you in return?

Parents:
Silly child, you do not realise!
You have given us so much in taking from us.
We hope you raise a child someday and get the same!

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SHER 3:

Woman: 
Oh Fate! I wish you had made me the breeze that runs its fingers through his hair and tosses his curls around. He smiles in pleasure as he feels it.
Oh Fate! I wish you had made me the cool water he splashes on his face and rubs it in, as he washes himself coming from work. He sighs in relief at the freshness it awakens in him.
Oh Fate! I wish I was even the pitcher that he puts his lips to and drinks of deeply. He exclaims in satisfaction at the quenching of his thirst.

Oh my miserable Fate! That I am born to be this flesh and blood woman! 
Oh my miserable Fate! That I am born a princess, sitting on a throne, that he dare not raise his eyes to meet mine!

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SHER 4:

Man: 
Her single gesture moves my soul,
though my body may be still
A single word from her heals life's countless wounds,
and I am very ill,


Not being aware of it, my heart she steals
Her words soothe, her touch heals
and I am very ill.

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Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2015

All rights reserved