Subbuswami Krishna Murthy
Moon overhead, the barges set sail
To the deep middle waters
into the vortex rings to cast their nets,
the Moon mutely witnessing.
All day they slept for the night vigil
for a bigger catch, a variegated variety
of shell - fish.
The owner lazing in the larger barge,
checking up the numbers of the costly catch.
What life could he under the glittering Moon
no music, no noise, no child’s cries
save the Moonshine, illumining the waters
to help the fisher - folk
delve deep
to spot the shifting shoals sporting in pairs.
My eyes wonder as I watch the fleet in their mindful mission,
so disciplined, stuck so stubbornly searching
to feed their ever - hungry stomachs.
Worrying not a whit but enjoying too,
to be back to their dear and dearer ones
to unload their loads of lobsters and all
for the elusive morrow tinder the sun.