By Sharika Nair
I never wanted animals in my backyard. Not because I have anything against animals. Just that dogs can be too lively, cats too standoffish, fish a little too wet. And birds, with their wings and nippy beaks, unpredictable.
Flora trumps fauna.
Not a poor substitute in a flowerpot for me, though. Maybe a banyan, with cephalopodan arms. Or a Tabebuia rosea that sheds its leaf-green summer coat and dons pastel pink haute couture in spring. Or a mango tree laden with luscious treats for its avian tenants.
I would sit beside my tree. As equals.
And together, we would contemplate eternity.
A lovely piece, with some superb figurative language. I especially liked “cephalopodan arms” and “pastel pink haute couture”. There are some subtle touches of humour too, with “fish a little too wet” and birds with “nippy beaks”. Not a word wasted – everyone of them working to convey the message of harmony with nature. Brilliant!
Thank you so much Dave for reading and commenting!
The phrases you picked out are my favorites too. 🙂 And poor fish.. you can’t really find any other faults with them!
Wonderful, Sharika ??
Thank you!!
Nicely done! The ending has a poetic quality.
Thanks 🙂 One can’t help but get a little philosophical in the proximity of these gentle giants