Brave Sons

Brave sons,
On the war front
We bless thee!
Your march for a mighty purpose
Your march with a mighty aim
Your march with iron hearts
Your march in sun and rain
Is to save your unitary isle
From the separatist serpents vile,
For others to stand and sleep
To laugh, to play and eat
With watchful eyes
All day and night
Expecting a final blow
all through love for your Motherland,
And for what else?
For you no family functions
When will you have a sound sleep?
May unseen powers
Protect thee ever!
We salute thee!
We worship thee!

Malini Hettige

Imploring! yet pleading

He stand anew in sheer exhaustion
A load of cereals reposing heavily on his back.
Though scantily attired and having sat awhile,
Cautiously moves he along in typical childlike frenzy.

He looks around in loneful trepidation,
Wondering the much sought after help would ever come,
To rid the disproportionate load he carries
And ease his pain-filled, battered side.

Continuing in measured steps, with fatigue intense,
Tries hard to restrain the weight he bears,
Visualising the time he has to wait and stay,
Keeping him in an unbalanced, loathful way.

Juvenile expediency has been here from times unknown,
Never to leave so long as exploitation stays on,
For childhood times snatched away so rude, in haste,
Depriving of an age that would never, never, come.

Looking tired but imploring, pleading,
His once sparkled eyes say it all.

J. I. Rosairo

Happy Birthday

You are my Fortress in the reckless storm
You are my Anchor that stood me tall
You are my Trophy that glowed in me most
You are my Heart which made me whole
You are my Existence that kept me strong
These are the Reasons that I loved you most

Talisa Stephen

One day at a time

When there are no expectations in life
Specially favours from others
We do not feel bad or lost
"One day at a time" should be the motto
Then there will be no heartaches and
disappoinments for us to cry

Praneetha Perera

To My little Grandson

On the day of 17th August
My little grandson was born
Oh! lovely my boy
My heart filled with joy
But remember son the world is such
Ups and downs will come our way
Joy and sorrow
Will come and go
Love is not attachment
Caring is not attachment
People do misunderstand this
A mother who is a grandmother
Loves and care for others' children
It is very hard to be far from you
But my tale is such
Unless you come to me
I cannot reach you freely
So pardon me my little one
My blessings are with you.

Lalani Samarasinghe

Bon voyage

Treading untrodden paths
For three decades and four years
As young lads
We had sun, we had fun
As grown up men
We shared and cared
Our joy and sorrow.

But dear friend
It's time to say bon voyage
And good luck!

Anton Paaris

The Change

When I was a little boy
I had no worries to bear
Whole day I spent in joy
No moments of despair.

I loved to run or caper
In play or work the same
Toys I made from paper
Were fine to play a game.

All I had were friends
Not a single foe
Fun and frolic were friends
That kept me on the go.

Now my life has changed
Since my boyhood days
Thoughts and hopes are ranged
On things that only pays.

Hand money and wealth
Are all I want to earn
Even for my health,
I have no time or tern.

Simple things and innocent joys
That gave my heart content
Has lost their place in present ploys
I treat them with contempt.

Epilogue
How happy the man, who can retain,
The innocent boyhood charms
Though a man, in heart remain
Thoughts that bring no harms.

H.W. Welideniya

Your Fresh Face

The sun shining bright
In a morning so fresh
The breeze rushing up
In a velvet soft caress
The birds chirping loud
The dawn of a new day
Yet I feel it can't beat
The sight of your fresh face

Anusha Gunatilleke

A 21st century Fairy Tale

Long time ago when I was a kid,
My book shelves were filled with fairy tales.
There was 'the evil' which rises like a storm,
Destroying every life in its path.
There was "the innocent",
Who was the captive of evil.
There were "the heroes",
Who were the sunlight of the story.
My heart has yearned,
To hear such a tale again.
But it is since long,
That I've heard such a tale.
Until today,
when my thirst was quenched.
In the midst of blue water,
The battle began.
Good and evil clash again.
Clash to safeguard humanity.
Of the land, from where the sun rises.
At the end good wins,
As it should be.
Our heroes returned again,
Safe as they should be.
They are the 21st century heroes.
Yes, it is you.
The golden fence called "the Sri Lankan Navy",
Who safeguards the integrity of the country.

Udayangani Mawalagedera

Gracious Treasures

Fulgent treasures of Mother Lanka
Illuminating with lasting resplendence
The most exemplary segment of our living beings
You are the gracious and the resourceful Elder

You have descended from heaven to this Earth
To bestow priceless gifts of loving kindness, compassion, dedication and wisdom
Paving the sublime path for people to achieve
Self fulfilment and success in life

The entire universe is grateful to you
On the international day of Elders
We celebrate with dignity your unique achievement
Long live our magnanimous Elders with prosperity and cheerfulness

Nimal Ranatunga