Change

The young engineer paid little attention

simply nodded, smiling politely

even as his manager discoursed, eloquent

about changes in nature, intensity

of relationship with spouse


"You only have to re-read the letters

we exchanged over the years

to notice, appreciate, the shift in priorities"


The words in the initial years were passionate

more of "My dear", "Darling", "Sweetheart"

of how much she missed you, longing for reunion


slowly, the main narrative became of the children

of what son did, daughter did and how as mother, she handled


Focus of content became more practical- Have you booked gas?

purchased the new text books for the new classes?

with time, the length of letters diminished

became even more matter of fact- We are fine here

hope the same with you!


As the boss in his forties rambled on

the youngster felt distracted, all these were

of no immediate significance

after all he was a free bird, a bachelor!


In his mind, he thought "This man is so unromantic

As and when I find my love, there would be no shifts

the intensity would remain forever-

with love expressed in every moment! “


Now years later, a seasoned family man himself

he couldn't help admitting, sighing to himself

"That man was right after all!"


Ah, change cannot be wished away

It's as inevitable, as the rising and setting sun

as natural as the changing seasons- spring to summer

then monsoon, autumn, winter

back to spring again!


If there is anything at all that's constant

permanent in this world, it's change

acknowledging, accepting, embracing it

to be able to adapt, overcome challenges and win

is the key to a satisfying life! 

NB: This poem was composed for and recited at the online poetry meet of Seniors Today Poetry group on 31st August 2025

Conserving the 'Mighty Little' Beings

 

For one usually attending evening meetings 

on corporate HR topics this was new, so farther away

 yet interesting, gripping, informative, enlightening! 

The speaker, Dr Chandish Ballal, passionate entomologist

former Director, NBAIR* enlightened us, among many things

that all insects are not pests, that the majority

the beneficial insects are most essential 

for ecological balance and well being of humans as well! 

As against the only 0.5% pests, the beneficial insects 

provide many services without charging a penny 

these include being providers- food for fish, wild life 

good protein source, honey from honey bees

big source of revenue in Mexico, silk worms give silk 

contribute to dyes, cosmetics, medical & industrial products

its larvae serves as balm for wounds.. 

Its regulatory role include keeping in check

harmful pests, weeds, naturally sans harmful chemicals

assisting in decomposing dung of livestock

 so essential for controlling population of flies 

The supporting role of  the "Mighty little beings' also crucial 

2/3rd of land eco system depends on them for its pollination 

the bees, beetles, butterflies, moths and the like 

the beneficial beings release essential nutrients** back into the soil 

the frass (feces) of some, excellent soil fertility enhancers 

they create nutrient rich patches benefiting plant growth 

Then the speaker also spoke about cultural significance 

of insects in art and symbolism, in language, literature

Haven't we heard  expressions like "Busy as a bee"

the ant-grasshopper story in Aesop's fables

insect inspired music compositions***, movies?

This dear readers, is only a layman's account 

of what he could catch about these "Unsung heroes"

who continue to be ' undervalued until lost' 

for a detailed account, you will have to hear it

from the horse's mouth when she chooses to speak next 

be it in Bangalore or on an online platform!

* National bureau of agricultural insect resources : Dr Ballal also outlined during talk the (1) conservation/protecting, (2) classical ( managing invasive pest) and (3) augmentation (releasing additional natural enemies of pests) services of NBAIR

** like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium

*** Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee"


NB: I am thankful to Dr Ballal and the Bangalore Room for the invitation that culminated into a rewarding evening.