Echoes of Mumbai

Born in hospital’s sterile embrace,

Grown up in bus, tram, busy train’s race,

Bottle-fed by cows unseen,

Syrup, Horlicks, energy’s sheen.

"Queue up, walk straight, run fast, no delay,

Dig deep, be strong, in life's fast relay.

Careful crossing roads, push, never slow,

Root yourself firm, in the city's flow."

Mother’s hand, firm and true,

Led me through streets where wheels flew,

Showed the world from one-room space,

Father’s absence, weekends’ trace.

Life moves forward, puppet of fate,

Labyrinth paths, with glowing lights late.

Rise, dress, rush, come home at midnight,

Hopeful rails wait for wheels by morning light.

(A poem by Dr. G. S. Shivarudrappa)

Ode to a Friend

As I pursued my goal with steadfast mind,

Past fortune led me to your guiding light.

A mother teaches first, a father guides,

But friend, you are both — a true delight.

In life's long journey, you lead, I follow,

Yet to the world, we stand side by side.

In you, dear friend, I see no hollow,

No boast, just humble gratitude inside.

Grateful to many, in countless births past,

This life’s golden mine of gratitude shines.

Think deep and this precious truth will outlast,

We owe thanks to those who crossed our life’s lines. 

(A poem by Dr. G. S. Shivarudrappa)

ಸ್ನೇಹ

ಸ್ನೇಹವೆಂಬ ಪದ ಅದೆಷ್ಟು ಸುಂದರ

ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಇಲ್ಲ ಯಾವ ಆಳ ಕಂದರ

ಅಳಲು ಸಿಗುವ ಹೆಗಲು ಅದು, 

ನಿದ್ದೆ ತರುವ ಮಡಿಲು ಅದು,

ಬಿಸಿಲ ತಡೆವ ಮುಗಿಲು ಅದು,

ಮನವ ತಣಿಸೊ ಕಡಲು ಅದು || ಸ್ನೇಹವೆಂಬ ||

ಬೆಂಕಿಮಳೆಗೆ ಅದುವೆ ಕೊಡೆ

ಭೇದಭಾವಕಿಲ್ಲ ಎಡೆ,

ಮೂರು ಕವಲು ಒಂದೆ ಜಡೆ,

ನೂರು ಹೆಜ್ಜೆ ಒಂದೆ ನಡೆ || ಸ್ನೇಹವೆಂಬ ||

ದೈವ ಕೊಟ್ಟ ವರವಿದು,

ಸ್ನೇಹವೆಂಬ ಮರವಿದು,

ಎಂದೂ ಬಾಡಿ ಮುರಿಯದು,

ಸಾವೆಂಬುದನರಿಯದು || ಸ್ನೇಹವೆಂಬ ||

(1998ರ ಆಗಸ್ಟ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಬರೆದಿದ್ದ ಪದ್ಯ)