Poem: Tough Love
Despite our low expectations out of a tropical winter, we did not expect a relentless sun disrobing to spray heat over the rocks which dutifully threw back what they got.
The falls were beautiful. The white foaming waters fell and rolled into rebellious streams, cutting through or going around the fuming rocks. After all the struggle, we got to the point where we were allowed — bathing was prohibited. So, a poem is the next best thing, don’t you think?
Poem: Tough Love
Comfort is a misnomer -
Try the lap of Mother Nature
Rocky, rugged and remorseless
The tropical sun disrobing with a vengeance
Rocks caught in the wisdom of the herd
Reflect the fury of the unrelenting heat.
Adolescent white water giggle and holler
A party of remorseless plunge and run away
Escape like the rebellious teens
Who cares about the blazing sun?Humans crawl like crabs
Hands searching for the next hold
Feet seeking the promise of firm ground
A slip between one step and the next
The difference between tragedy and triumph
And between memories and bruises.Nature’s test of unyielding fitness
Awakening of absent muscles
Scream in revolt, they cry
It is just rocks and water, why try?Beyond all that stands tall
The human enterprise
Sees it all through.
A selfie, a laugh, and a hug
The tough love of Mother Nature brings
The courage that lies beyond our fears.
~Ashok Subramanian © 2024
