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~ AN ANTHOLOGY ~
Conceptualised, written, edited, and designed by Harikrishnan J, Hemanth Kamath, Ian Manuel Sebastin Vaz, Juney Ann Thomas, Melapurath Lisha Lazar, Mohan K Pillai, Pallavi Koppar, Pamela Nazareth, Rhea Sehgal and Swikriti Singh of II FEP (2007-2010) For Private Circulation Only
CHRIST COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) DEPARTMENT OF MEDIA STUDIES . (i) .
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foreword Coffee gives our years of fading strength, indemnifying fleetness. And candy, for those years of youth, a seeming length proportioned to their sweetness. The above lines, thought plagiarised from T Campbell, convey perfectly the central idea running through the pages of our anthology. The first half of the book, titled ‘Candy’, contain material poems, two short stories, and a play written for children. These articles celebrate the simple things in life which (no matter how old we are) give us a sense of happily-ever-after. The second section, ‘Coffee’, presents more seriously inclined poems, a story, and a one-act-play, which will make you wake up to the reality of adult life and its tribulations. The title of our anthology reflects the mindset of a person when (s)he is a child and when (s)he is an adult. Where once life was all about candy and simple pleasures, once we cross the threshold of childhood, we wake up to smell the coffee, which then becomes a constant companion through all our battles with time, work, success, deadlines and so on. Before you start your journey through our anthology, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr Abhaya N B for her patient support and guidance. We would like to thank the Dept of Media Studies, and Christ College administration for giving us the opportunitiy to compile this anthology. We would like to thank our sponsors for financially supporting this venture. We would also like to thank Ramya Reprographic for bringing out this anthology in printed form in a record time. Let thy journey now begin! . (ii) .
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contents Page CANDY ............................................................. 1 Think about it (free verse) .............. 2 The bad man (story) ......................... 3 Adam and Eve (play) ......................... 4 Homework (free verse) ...................... 8 Mother’s world (free verse) ............... 9 The night I grew up (story) ............. 10 COFFEE ............................................................. 13 Tears (free verse) ................................ 14 Paradise (free verse) ........................... 14 Take a break (travel writing) ............ 16 The Anchors of life (free verse) ...... 19 Nameless (free verse) ......................... 20 The story of the pink- ...................... 21 -painted-pretty egg (story) Closed (free verse) .............................. 22 Duty and Destiny (play) ................... 23
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CANDY
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Think about it Pamela Maria Nazareth
What if? Just think of it, What if we really began to think? What would the world have been like? Would it be like what it is now? Let’s begin to see... In kindergarten , What if the alphabet was taught to us not as A B C but zero, one, two, three? What if P iggy on the railway lines was replaced by a doggy? What if little Jack went high up on the hill without Jill? And what if our dear Humpty Dumpty never sat on a wall? Would they still fall? How different could things be? As we grow bigger, how would it be? If there were only girls or only boys and not the others to see? Would there be mummy? Would there be daddy? Would there be friends for me? But the most important question is, Where would YOU be???
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Illustration : Harikrishnan J
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The bad man Ian Manuel Sebastian Vaz
In Africa, in a little village to the south of Nigeria, there lived a tribe called the Jijubas. The leader of that tribe was a very cruel man named Kioro. The whole tribe was afraid of him and never dared to cross him. He always treated them very harshly and never paid heed to any of their concerns. His brother, Obulo, on the other hand was the complete opposite of him - a very kind, noble and honest man. The whole village knew what a loving man he was and wanted him to lead their tribe instead of Kioro. One day, the people of the tribe conspired against Kioro. They had had enough of being treated like slaves. They took the help of Obulo to carry out their plan. He at first refused to take part in this act, but after seeing the desperation of the people of his tribe, agreed to help. In the night, while Kioro was asleep, Obulo, along with the other people of the tribe, tied him up and took him out near the lake which was the home of many crocodiles. Upon reaching the lake they asked him if he wanted to begin behaving properly with the people. They told him that if he was willing to change, they would spare his life; but if he did not then he would be given to the crocodiles so that they could make a meal out of him. “I am a strong leader and all of you need me!� he said very proudly and boldly. Upon hearing this, the people carried him once more and tossed him into the lake, much to the delight of the crocodiles. After that, Obulo became the leader of the tribe and made sure everybody was treated with kindness and love. *** .3.
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Adam and Eve Lisha Lazar Adam and Eve are a talented young couple, employed in a circus called ‘Circus of Eden‛, where God was the Manager of the circus. God was a strict disciplinarian. Serpent, a junior artist was a friend of Eve. He was jealous of other artistes, especially Adam and Eve, and kept playing tricks to get them dismissed from the group, so that he could become the most beloved artist in the eyes of God. One day he played a new trick on Eve by tempting her to steal a diamond necklace which was very expensive, from another artist in their troupe. God disliked robbers and punished those who disobeyed by taking away their jobs CHARACTERS God: A well-built, elderly stern looking man with a loud and harsh voice. Adam: A young handsome man, tall and strong. Eve: A beautiful and innocent looking woman in her twenties. Serpent: a stout, brown eyed dark fellow with a suspicious look on the face, in his thirties. SCENE 1 EVE (SHOUTS, IRRITATED): Its wrong to take somebody else‛s things without their permission, and Sarah has already said no, when I asked her. I won‛t take the necklace. SERPENT: But it‛s perfectly alright. Sarah won‛t come to know about it at all. You just wear the necklace for sometime and later give it to her. EVE: But that‛s against the policies of our circus made by God. What if he comes to know? SERPENT: He won‛t. How will he ever come to know about it? Who will tell him? Not me for sure! EVE (SOFTLY): Yeah, that‛s true but I am still not sure about doing all this. Adam will not like it. I will talk to him about it and then decide. (ADAM ENTERS) EVE: Oh he‛s come!!!(WHISPERS
TO
SERPENT) Shall I ask him now?
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SERPENT: Go ahead... ADAM: What‛s happening? What are the two of you up to? EVE (LOVINGLY): Adam, don‛t you think Sarah‛s new necklace is really pretty? ADAM: Yes it is, but why suddenly such a remark about the necklace? EVE: Don‛t you feel like getting me one like that? ADAM (IN A LOW VOICE): Darling, you know very well that we cannot afford such a necklace. It‛s expensive... Sarah got it from her rich boy friend, we do not have so much money... EVE: Yes, I know that, but I want one like that for myself as well. ADAM: I am really sorry my dear, I really can‛t afford that... EVE: I do know we cannot get one with the money we have, but Serpent has an idea for us. Shall we try it once, please? Adam, please don‛t disagree. ADAM: Idea? What is it? Serpent always comes up with some strange plans. What is it this time? (SERPENT WHO WAS SMILING ALL THIS WHILE, NOW FEELS EMBARRASSED AND INSULTED. HE LOOKS FURIOUSLY AT ADAM.) EVE: He asked me to take away Sarah‛s necklace for sometime without her knowing and then keep it back some time later. ADAM (SHOCKED): How can you ever think of stealing? It‛s against God‛s policies. No, I will not permit you to do such a thing; and neither am I going to accompany you for it. EVE: But Adam, after all its Sarah‛s necklace. She won‛t feel bad, and anyways I‛ll be giving it back to her. It‛s only for some time... ADAM: No Eve, you are not going to do this. If God comes to know, he‛ll expel both of us from the troupe... EVE: But how will he ever come to know about it? Who will tell God? I will surely return it back after wearing it once... Adam: But Eve... EVE: If you can‛t get me the necklace, I shall not stay in this place. You can‛t afford to get me the necklace, at least allow me to take Sarah‛s for some time! SERPENT: Look Adam, it‛s not against our policy to use somebody else‛s things for some time; and after all we are placing it back as well. That‛s not against
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a II fep production the policy. And the policy itself states - share your belongings, but Sarah does not obey it. Isn‛t that wrong? (ADAM LOOKS CONFUSED. COMPLETE SILENCE.) ADAM: Ok! If you feel so, do what ever you like, but make sure that you keep it back soon. EVE (JUMPS IN GLEE): Yes! I knew I could convince you. ADAM: But who‛s going to get the necklace? SERPENT: Only Eve can enter Sarah‛s room, so she‛ll get in and take it. The necklace is in her dressing table drawer. It is a good time to do it now. She is gone for her show. ADAM: How will Eve do it? What if she gets caught? EVE: No Adam, I‛ll do it and not a soul will come to know about it. Everybody is busy with their own work for the show. SERPENT: I‛ll go and keep an eye outside Sarah‛s tent, and let you know if anyone is coming. (SERPENT MOVES OUT WITH A WICKED SMILE ON HIS FACE.) SCENE 2 (AFTER
THE ROBBERY)
(SEEING EVE ENTERING THE TENT, SERPENT GOES TO GOD AND WHISPERS SOMETHING TO HIM. GOD WALKS ANGRILY TOWARDS ADAM WHO IS AT THE OTHER END OF THE STAGE WITH EVE. EVE IS WEARING THE NECKLACE AND ADAM HAS A MIXED EXPRESSION ON HIS FACE, HE IS TENSED BUT SEEING HIS WIFE‛S HAPPINESS, HIDES HIS TENSION AND SMILES. GOD ARRIVES AT THAT MOMENT. SEEING THE NECKLACE ON EVE‛S NECK, HE LOOKS ANGRILY AT HER AND THEN AT ADAM. EVE BECOMES FRIGHTENED AND GIVES THE NECKLACE TO ADAM.) GOD (ANGRILY): Adam, whose necklace is this? ADAM: Sarah‛s master. GOD: How did you get it? Is it true that your wife robbed it? EVE (SHIVERING AND SCARED): No, I didn‛t rob it, I just took it for some time. ADAM: It was I who took it from Sarah‛s tent master. I thought I would keep it back soon. EVE (SURPRISED): Adam! What are you saying? ADAM: Yes, I took it from Sarah‛s dressing table while she was not there and then gave it to my wife, thinking that I would replace it soon.
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EVE: ( IN TEARS) Adam! Why are you blaming yourself? GOD: Didn‛t you ever realize that all this was against our policy? And that it may bring trouble to you and your family? I expel you both from my circus and command you to never ever come in front of me. Also, as a part of the punishment, Adam will be whipped 500 times. EVE: No master, wait, it was not Adam who did it but me. It was my greed for jewellery that made me do this. Adam was against it. He had advised me saying that it was against the policies which you made, but the necklace was really tempting and I could not control myself. Please do not punish Adam for it, spare him and punish me. (TEARS ROLL DOWN HER EYES) ADAM: (TO EVE, WIPING HER TEARS): Darling, never mind, you accepted your mistake and that‛s enough, don‛t worry. God knew this earlier. When Serpent and you were planning about the robbery, I overheard your conversation and immediately reported all this to God. Both of us knew that this was another of Serpent‛s new tricks to put us down and build a good image in God‛s eyes. But God and I thought of a better plan to make you realize your mistake and also to make you aware of Serpent‛s intentions. GOD: And so did it happen. ADAM: Now do you realize that the wicked serpent always looks for ways to confuse you and make you do such wrong things? EVE: ( ASHAMED OF HER GUILT) I am sorry! I am sorry God, I am sorry Adam. GOD: You should be! ADAM: Its alright darling, now that you realized that greed is harmful, and realized your mistake, give the necklace to Sarah and apologise to her. ADAM: Thank you Adam for making me realize my mistake and for making me aware of Serpent‛s intentions . GOD: Adam, I am very pleased with your sincerity towards the policies as well as towards the troupe. You‛ve never let me down on any occasion. I shall surely reward you for your loyalty and honesty. ADAM: Thank you master! GOD: (TO SERPENT) And you wretch! A disgrace to the troupe! You are expelled for cheating and disobeying the policies. SERPENT: Master, please forgive me , I shall not repeat it ever. ( HE BEGS BUT IS NOT SHOWN ANY MERCY AND IS THROWN OUT OF THE TROUPE. ADAM EVE ARE DECLARED BEST ARTISTS OF THE TROUPE, AND THEY LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER.) ***
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Homework Juney Thomas On white sheets, they demand ‘our homework‛, written by hand. On white sheets, they try to guage, The worth of our mind from words on a page. On white sheets, they try to grade, Creativity, reasoning, of what we‛re made. On white sheets, from its thickness they assuage, ‘excellent!‛ for an essay ten page. On white sheets they try to predict, Success, failure, perdition, its fixed. On white sheets they try so hard, To prove a system that‛s flawed so bad. On white sheets, we‛ve given up hope, Your system is rusted, your methods cant cope. On white sheets ,they take away, Dreams and kites, and the pleasures of May. On white sheets, they war and kill, Evening hours, and the cat on the windowsill. So, On white sheets, we give to them, essays, ketchup stains, poetry and chem.. On white sheets, margins drawn, We pour out, Thoughts and bullshit, plagiarized, no doubt. On white sheets, stubborn, they choose to trust When you go to school, homework is must”. So , On white sheets, ink still drying, Vibrant thoughts, each day are dying.
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Mother’s world Pamela Maria Nazareth I was in my room, playing with my ball. I heard my name aloud, It was mamma‛s call. “Come here my son, come out” said she, “I am playing mamma, just let me be.” “Your ball, your guns, your TV, your cars is all I hear about; They will disappoint you my son, one day, no doubt. Your ball and your cars will someday get lost, Your TV will break down and your gun will do harm. Why don‛t you come instead and make some friends so true, In the beautiful world outside, which is waiting for you? There are the little sparrows and little bunnies too, there is the green grass and the violets so blue. Your storybooks and toys won‛t stay by you forever, they are temporary companions till your childhood will be over. Mother Nature and you, however, together can jive, Till the day my son, you will be alive.”
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The night I grew up Juney Thomas Dear Diary, I wish I never had to grow up. Ever since I read about Peter Pan last month, I‛ve been wishing he‛d come and whisk me away with him to never- neverland. Ah...to go with him, and meet the lost boys, and the Indians, and the Captain Hook and Mr. Smee and the fairies, and, oh there is so much more I could see and do there that I go breathless at the thought of it! Mama says I‛m ten years old and that I‛m a big girl, and that I shouldn‛t waste my time thinking of silly stories like that. Big girl. She keeps saying that all the time. You can‛t play so much; you‛re a big girl now. You can‛t eat so much candy! You‛re a big girl now. I‛m deciding right now, that I don‛t want to grow up, and that I‛ll run away with Peter as soon as I can. My friend Pooja said that Peter will come to your bedroom at night, if you really believe in him and wish for him to visit just before you got to sleep. Dear diary, I did just as Pooja said I should, and to my greatest surprise when I woke up sometimes in the middle of the night, I caught a fleeting glimpse of a shadow lurking around my room. Now if that wasn‛t Peter, then I don‛t know who it could have been, with a shadow the size of a little boy. I‛m so happy. If he knows where I live, and if he‛s come to meet me, then I‛m sure I won‛t have to do those beastly sums and practice spellings ever again. Mama‛s becoming extremely stubborn these days. She said I can‛t go out and play with the boys because I‛m becoming a big girl now and that “it‛s disgraceful for big girls to play football with a bunch of scruffy boys and to come home looking like you just bathed in mud”. What do mothers know about how much fun it is to play? Sigh...sometimes I think I‛ll miss these grown-ups and their silly ways when I‛m far away in Never-never-land. Dear Dairy, Before I went to bed yesterday, I had sprinkled some talcum powder all over the floor of my bedroom, hoping to steal a few of Peter‛s footprints. Pooja says that if you steal Peter‛s footprints, he‛s sure to come looking for it, just like he did when he lost his shadow at Wendy‛s place. I was so excited that I thought I wouldn‛t fall asleep ever, but it seems I did, thanks to all the homework that beastly Miss Kaur gave us. In the morning, however when I woke up, I looked for footprints, and to my extreme joy, I saw, a perfect set of little boy footprints, leading from the window to my
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bed and back. Dear Diary, Now that I‛m sure Peter comes to see me each night when I‛m asleep, I left a glass of milk and a plate of cookies on my bedside table, with a note saying “For Peter” next to it. I kept waking up every now and then, and each time the cookies and the milk was just as I left it. Somewhere long into the night, I was awakened with the sound of a crackle and a crunch and a slurp, and just then I woke up to catch the sight of a pair of feet dashing out of my window and into the sky. The plate of cookies was empty, and the glass of milk, half full. Dear Diary, Yesterday I had decided I‛m not doing to sleep, and that I‛m going to stay awake to talk to Peter when he comes. After mama tucked me in and turned out the lights, I sat up in bed, and started reading aloud to myself, stories from the Arabian Nights, in the dim light of my bedside lamp. Suddenly I noticed that he was sitting right at the foot of my bed, listening to the Illustration : Hemanth Kamath story I was reading. I stopped reading to look at him, for he was looked so gloriously free of all worry and work. “Don‛t stop reading” he said softly. I continued to read the rest of the story which took us all over Arabia and through numerous adventures, and together we fought pirates, fought bandits, won the hearts of princes and princesses, and won great treasures. Soon the book was forgotten and we were leaping and running around the room, my pencils becoming arrows, and rulers becoming swords, he wore my blanket like a cape, and we rode my rocking horse through the whole of Arabia. When the sun began to rise, we stopped playing. He said he had to go. He stood on the window sill, all ready to go.
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a II fep production “Will you take me with you Peter, to never-never –land?” He tipped his head back and laughed his glorious laugh which rang clear and joyful in the quiet of the early morning. Then he looked at me with eyes so sad and crying and he told me, “Never-never-land has been taken over by Disney and sold to men who took it and made it into a mechanised theme park. The pirates have become managers, and advertisers, and marketing experts, who run the theme parks. The Lost boys were all adopted by Brangelina and Madonna, and the fairies have all gone to Bollywood to do item numbers in movies. Tiger-Lily and the Indians have gone off to take part in some reality show called Big Brother and as for me, I live like a wanderer, from one concrete rooftop to the next, and among bedroom windows of little girls and boys, who no longer read stories or play make believe like we did some time back. Never-never-land is gone, and with it, all of its magic.” Saying that, he leaped out of sight and into the sky. The news that nevernever land was no more, was followed by a clang! As the golden gates of my childhood shut on me, I knew that there was no more make believe for me. I also knew I would never see Peter again. I sighed, pulled up my blanket over my head and went to sleep. It was time I grew up. ***
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Tears Rhea Sehgal
A drop of pearl Rolls down my cheek, Nobody cares to pick it up. I slowly walk away To see who will say You need me at the moment? But to the rescue Come neither friends nor foes But only the thorns of a rose. When realization dawns, I weep no more The truth lies before me. People are untrue, And so may be you So change yourself today.
Paradise Swikriti Singh
A quiet room, Huge windows are open with welcoming lavender curtains. A silent breeze passes through. A small brown wooden cradle is rocking in the corner, a little baby boy with eyes closed and tiny curled up fists is . 14 .
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sleeping under the watchful gaze of his dear mother. She tucks her saree at her waist, bends down and picks up her childcarefully, tenderly. The baby cuddles in her arms and sleeps on; She smiles at the sight of her sleeping child. Ah love... That is paradise. A dusty road, where the wind blows, particles of dust rise toward the beautiful clouds and sky. Little children- boys and girls, run along the roads, filling the air with peals of laughter, laughing at the magic of their little childish deeds. They run around a gigantic tree standing by itself, a circle of friends, playing ring-a-ring-of-roses. Can you hear the giggles, the soft echoes of laughter? Ah, joy. That is paradise. Picture a world, a new world, think of that world, the one world. Take a map and wipe away all the lines dividing countries, people and lives; then wipe away all the guns and bombs and weapons, which drown the world in blood. Think of the joy on the faces of mothers who would not have lost their sons, the faces of wives and children, who would still have husbands and fathers. Think of the lovers who wouldn’t have to lose each other. How would it be? Ah, peace. . 15 .
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That is paradise. A gift kept in my room without any occasion. A big bouquet of lovely flowers. I enter the room, I’m happy. Why a gift and bouquet? as I sit and wonder, a tap on my back startles me. I look around-its dad! We are not on talking terms for quite long now; So what’s up, I wonder. He comes close and gives me a hug, He cries with me and wipes my tears. We forget the past and live that moment, wishing it lasts forever. Ah, bliss. That is my paradise.
Take a break! Pallavi Koppar Need a break? Want to get away with your family from all the hustle and bustle for the weekend? For Bangloreans, there is no better option than the three and a half hour drive down south to Mysore. Mysore is the best place to get rejuventated and refreshed. There are places like the forests of Bandipur and Madumalai, also situated around Mysore which can be considered for a visit depending on the span of your stay. In Mysore, you have the Mysore Zoo and Tipu Sultan’s palace; the Krishnarajasagar Dam and the Karanji lake. There is also a fantasy park and a lot of temples like Nanjangudu and Daramasthala, making
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Mysore Palace
Mysore the best place for a short visit, for people of varying ages. Enroute to Mysore (by road), there are a number of Barista Café and Café Coffee Day outlets near Ramanagaram, Gundalpet, Maddur etc, where you can grab yummy cheesy spinach sandwiches and gulp loads of Latte, Ginger Tea or Caramello. Near Srirangapatna, also on the way to Mysore, is the Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary- a must see! However if you plan to visit the sanctuary during the monsoon, you won’t be able to enjoy boating there due to rising water levels. Instead, there is a huge variety of birds that inhabit the sanctuary around the monsoon like the black headed Ibis, white and purple Herons, Egrets and Cormorants to name a few. In addition, there is also a small village near Srirangapatna where you can watch the process of making jaggery which is a rare treat for city dwellers. Here, huge pots are used to caramelize the sugarcane juice into jaggery.Wooden dye boards are then used to form the jaggery. Chamundi hills in Mysore is yet another destination you simply cannot miss. It is an endearing sight to see devotees, both young and old, valiantly climbing the thousand odd steps leading to the temple which is perched right at the top of the hill. After climbing about 600 steps you come across an idol of the bull Nandi who, as far as legends go, belonged to the sage Vishwamitra. Although there is a driveway by which you can reach the temple without much strain, the uphill trek will definitely appeal to the health conscious.
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A temple on Chamundi hills
The Mysore Zoo is one of its kind. You can expect it to be crowded over the weekend but its worth the while and definitely nothing compared to the weekend crowd in Bangalore hotspots. The Zoo has a 3 km winding path around which the enclosures are present. The zoo is home to a large variety of animals like tigers, zebras, rhinos, nilgais, deer, giraffes, and different members of the primate family who will make your day with their antics. There are also many varieties of birds from all around the world.
A giraffe in the Mysore Zoo
At the end of it, this small vacation can be a great way to deal with the pressure and get out of the routine so that you can go back and start the week, refereshed. But be warned, you’ll enjoy the trip so much that time will fly and you will feel like going back for more, again and again.
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The anchors of life Hemanth Kamath
There lived a very happy man To gamble in life, risk where needed, to chance everything on the toss of a coin. Happiness is money, family, friends, success said all But many in life lose it. The town saw a siege He fought with courage and honour and he lost his arm and his eye; He lost everything he thought. Friends never cared or were dead. His home burnt down, his family gone. He went crying to the old man who was smiling I’m destroyed he said, I don’t know why I live. Look around you young man. All that you seek is within you You came into this world alone, so shall you leave What happens here, is for you to make believe See the truth, you live with ease Two meals a day and some drink and weed If a man who lives on the street with that, and not your wealth, your home or your pride, can be happy on every day, all the time Isn’t he the king, for he is ever so happy? What about you, gloomy for things that you hold with greed Look not for your want, but for your need It’s gone but life is still within you You’re free of your duties enjoy yourself Saying so the old man left The younger man thought and thought with weed He began selling seeds and made money that he did need Lady luck smiled on him one day and he struck gold From then he lived with money and a big house . 19 .
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A few years later a there was a message in town That floods were coming and all would drown When the waters came crashing, Boats were seen with crying people carrying gold and silk, and one happy man in a decent dress with drinks and weed. The others said he was mad, he looked at them and smiled I’ll be happy as long as I live I’ll leave here without all that you carry. So why bother, keep what you need And your sorrow for your loss, that is your make believe.
Nameless Harikrishnan J
He was born and images rushed to his eyes, And soon enough his eyes rushed to them, Until all he could see were images. Some colourful, some dark, some big, some small, But pretty were they all. Then the boy became a king and people followed him, But no one knew that images ruled him still. Maybe some cared or may be none cared, Of pleasures though they had their fill. The boy grew old and died, And was born again from the images. Did he live? Did he die? Was he good? Was he right? Yes, the images told me, And I stopped caring.
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The story of the pink-painted-pretty egg Juney Thomas
Once a pink-painted-pretty-egg, was laid in her father’s arms. “hush!”Disappointment. Hush!”“Hush!!”. He called her ‘daughter’. He saw the devil in her face, baby pink and devil red just so. She’ll grow fair and tall, and with his money, she will go. Once a pink-painted-pretty egg, was repainted blue. “Hush…..” Relief. “Hush…” “Hush…..” He called her ‘son’. Now, in her he saw comfort, and money that will stay in his wallet. Ah! A son’s strong arms. Ah! Pink-painted pretty egg, her arms as strong as his.
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Closed Mohan K Pillai
I want to burst out, I know naught why, Be honest to myself, Help my mind cry, Everyone’s in a bout, They dare not ply, Their sorrows they shelf, I so want to fly! How must I talk, When they naught do so, How must I cry, When they naught do so. Through my mind I must walk, And let the worries flow. But should I really try,
When they do naught so! Beneath yon beauty lies, Hearts so closed. And even underneath plys, Sorrows so chosed. If only it cries, Can it be tossed, If only it tries, Can I play host. Try as I might, I cannot get unclose, I shiver in fright, Thinking I must unchose. Close, close, with all its light.
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Duty and Destiny Harikrishnan J
Scene 1 A street scene. In the background, shabby buildings can be made out. There are two black men standing on the pavement. Both of them are dressed in cheap but trendy clothes and look to be in their late teens. Jamal: You ready to do dis thing, man? Cornelius: I dunno Jay.. I seriously dunno.. Jamal: Chillout C.. Think about yo Grandma.. Ya gotta do dis for her. Cornelius: She’d kill me if she knew dis shit. Jamal: But dat dont mean ya shouldn’t. Sometimes man, ya just gotta take care of b’ness. Look C, we’ve been boys for wha’... ten years? And I neva asked you to do dis shit cos I knew you could do betta. But now...wit dis surgery an all dat, ya aint got much of a choice homey.. Cornelius: I could still try for dat job at Johns’. Jamal: Man, fuck Johns’! Dat shit will give you da money ya need in ten years. What I set you up with is real, C. You do dis an’ you get yo dough in a week. Cornelius: You been doin dis for like five years now. What if I get caught? Dis my first time an’ dis a lot o’ stuff. Jamal: I got yo back C. And besides you are da only one who could pull dis shit off. Dey don’t suspect you.
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a II fep production Cornelius: (Thinks. Closes his eyes for a while, then lets out an audible sigh) A’ight den. Lets do dis. Scene 2 A dirty room with dim lighting. There are three men in the room. All of them sitting in chairs facing a table covered with packets and needles. There is some white powder on the table which one man is seperating with a blade. All of the men are African - Americans. Cornelius and Jamal walk in. Cornelius stands back while Jamal hesitantly approaches the men with a smile. Jamal: Hey Darell! Hows it goin’ man? Darell: (looks up with a blank stare at Jamal. Then recognizes him, smiles slowly and acknowledges his greeting) Not bad homey.. not bad. (The rest of the men seem indifferent) Jamal: Dats great, D. Listen man, appreciate yo lettin me bringin him along an’ all dat. Darell: No prob nigga. (looks at Cornelius) My man Jamal’s been doin’ some great work for me. An’ he tells me dat you interested in some quick dough. Cornelius: Yeah. I need i’ for some stuff. But I just want dis one job. No’in after dat. (Jamal looks at him and signals him to shut up.) Darell: Its a’ight. Its a’ight. You do wha’ you’re supposed to do an’ you get you cash an’ I get my merchandise into dat school. (pauses and leans back) But if you think yo smarter dan me an’decide to go all hollywood on my ass, I’d break yo shit up boy. You can belie’ dat. Jamal: No sweat D. He’s smart. He know how it works. Darell: (his eyes never move from Cornelius) You a smart nigga, ha.. straight A’s an’ all dat shit. Dis here’s some A shit too. You got da balls to sell dis shit in dat uppety school of yours?
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Cornelius:(looks intently at Darell, then Jamal and then the packets on the table)Yeah. I’m up for it. Darell: Good. I’m countin on you. Since you’re Jamal’s boy, i’m a give you a weeks time too. Jamal: Thanks a lot, D. I really appreciate dis.(moves forward and takes a packet from the table. Darell nods and Jamal and Cornelius exit the room.) Scene 3 A small living room. The furniture is spare and old but neat. Two pictures hang on the wall: one of a family and the other of Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. A boy of about sixteen is rummaging through his bag while and old woman is standing nearby. The family is African-American. Althea: What you lookin for Cornelius? Cornelius: Nothin grandma. Just da bills from da hospital. Althea: Lord... How much is it this time? Cornelius: Now don’t you worry about dat, kay? I got it covered. Althea: What do you mean you got it covered, Cornelius? You’re in school right now. And you’re preparin for college. You should be worryin’ about that not bills. Besides, I thought you lost your job at da mall. Cornelius: I said I had it covered Grandma. An’ I think college aint an option anymore. Althea: What do you mean it aint an option anymore? Look at me Cornelius. (raises her voice) Look at me when I’m talking to you boy. Cornelius: (looks at Althea) C’mon Grandma, its time we moved on,
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a II fep production kay. I got rejected from most of da schools I applied to for a scholarship. An’ it aint like we got money lyin’ around. Althea: Not all the schools. There are still a few left. Look here Cornelius, this was yo daddy’s dream. He didn’t give up on that even when yo momma left us. He died workin’ for it. You can’t give up now, son. Cornelius: You think I want dis, Grandma. Belie’ me, I dreamed about dis stuff too. But now you are da only family I got left an’ I aint’ losing you. Althea: I gotta leave you sometime, Cornelius. I would rather leave knowin’ that you are doing well. Cornelius: But I am doin’ well. I can work an’ go to da community college. Althea: But you can do so much better. Cornelius: No I can’t. Its time both o’ us accepted da fact dat I belong here. Dis were my daddy worked an’ you an grandpa started out. Ders no shame in dat. Althea: Its not about dat, Cornelius. It aint about shame at all. But you got to believe in yo’self. You think yo’ daddy worked here because he loved this place? Cornelius: He stay’d because he chose to. To take care o’ his family. Althea: Hell no! He stayed because he had to. He stayed because he couldn’t do any better. Cornelius: He loved us. Althea: I didn’t say he didn’t. Oh, he loved you more than anything else in the world. But he didn’t have what you have now. He didn’t have yo’ brains or yo’ talent. He was a good, hardworkin’ man and a good son. I always was proud o’ him. And now, like he wanted, you gotta make me proud. Its what you are meant to do.
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Cornelius: I will do all dat. I promise I will. But right now I have to take care o’ you. I know daddy would have wanted me to do dat. Althea: Oh lord, how am I goin’ to make this kid understand? Cornelius: Grandma, you gotta stop woryin’ yo’self about dis. I’m doin’ fine. Althea: (walks to a table on the side) Look... there’s some new mail for you. I think some of the colleges replied. (She picks up a few envelopes and walks towards Cornelius) Why don’t you go through them? Cornelius:(appears disinterested but takes the envelopes from Althea anyway) I know what dey a’ gonna say, Grandma. I already got a dozen o’dem, remember? Althea: Oh..just look at them for my sake, Cornelius. (she smiles and waits in anticipation) Cornelius: (shakes his headn in despair and starts opening the envelopes) A’ight den. Lets see... We have St.Augustus College... An’ dey ....don’ want me der. (Althea’s smile fades a little) Den we got Clayton Bay College... who are “sorry to inform me” dat dey don’ want me der. Althea: (looks at the last remaining envelope) Go on Cornelius.. there’s one more. Cornelius: (evidently sarcastic by now) An’ den ders Stanford.. O’ dis da big one..(gives a drumroll as he tears the envelope open) An’ dey say dat.....(he pauses)... dey say dat....(his expression grows blank).... dey want me join in da fall.. on a full scholarship. Althea: (her expression goes from eagerness to absolute joy) Oh, praise the lord! O, thank you Jesus! (hugs Cornelius) My boy finally made it. He finally made it. Cornelius: (hugging Althea and slowly realizing what has happened) I made it. I really made it. (sits down and goes through the letter again) Althea: Didn’t I tell you that its goin’ to happen? Didn’t I? (sitting
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a II fep production besides Cornelius) There’s a knock on the door. But both of them are too engrossed in the letter and its contents to notice it. The knock grows louder. Then a voice is heard from outside. Voice: This is the NYPD. Open up! Cornelius snaps back into reality. Althea moves to open the door but he suddenly stops her. Cornelius: I’ll open it. (Gets up and goes to open the door. Looks through the peephole and pauses for a moment. He then opens it. Two policemen enter the room) Policeman 1: Are you Cornelius Johnson? Cornelius: Yes I am. (tries to look bold) Althea: What’s goin on here? Policeman 1: (doesn’t reply to Althea’s question but looks at Cornelius) You are under arrest for the possession and sale of narcotics. Turn around please so that I can cuff you. Althea: (now frantic) What’s goin’ on here? Under arrest for what? You are making a mistake! Policeman 2: A considerable amount of narcotics was found in Cornelius’s locker in the school. We have reason to believe that he intended to sell it to the students. Althea: This is outrageous! My grandson wouldn’t do anything like that! You are making a mistake! Tell them Cornelius! (Cornelius reamins silent and bows his head. Althea now looks at him) Cornelius? (Her expression changes into shock) Why are you silent, boy? Tell me why you are silent Cornelius.. Cornelius: I am sorry, grandma. I just wanted to take care of you. (Althea remains motionless and speechless. Policeman 1 turns Corne-
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lius around and cuffs him) Policeman 1: You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can or wil be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you can’t find one yourself, an attorney will be provided for you. (they lead him out of the door) Cornelius: (now crying) I’m sorry grandma. I’m so sorry... I didn’t mean to.. Althea: (also crying now) My boy.... O god....my son...
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~ AN ANTHOLOGY ~