SUNDAY CHOICE – Who Is Jesus To You? – By Charles Schokman Image Source : riverviewbaptistcalhoun Image Source : pinterest To the Architect He is the CHIEF CORNERSTONE. To the Artist He is the ONE ALTOGETHER LOVELY. To the Astronomer He is the BRIGHT & MORNING STAR. To the Baker He is the BREAD OF LIFE. To the Banker He is the REDEEMER. To the Biologist He is the LIFE. To the Builder He is the SURE FOUNDATION. To the Carpenter He is the DOOR. To the Educator He is the GREAT TEACHER. To the Farmer He is the LORD OF THE HARVEST. To the Florist He is the LILY OF THE VALLEY. To the Geologist He is the ROCK OF AGES. To the Lawyer He is the LAWGIVER. To the Newspaperman He is the GLAD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY. To the Orphan He is the EVERLASTING FATHER. To the Pharmacist He is the ONLY ...
The Grinding Stone – By Charmaine Candappa I return to remembered places Seeing the ancient timbers of the storage racks Where mother stored lime jars, and heavy pots. The firewood hearth smoked day and night, The grinding stone heavy and flat. Onions ground, with chili, coconut, and ginger to a smooth paste. Added to flavor every curry hot and spicy. Intact memories throughout life time. Click here to receive your free copy of the eLanka Newsletter twice a week delivered directly to your inbox! ...
Feasting Time – By Charmaine Candappa The whirling April breezes blows through the trees While the yellow Erabadhu flowers drip heavily down its branches Blooming at this time of the year. The gnarled Jak fruit trees with its great trunks are burdened with ripe fruit Emanating a strong aroma, ready to be plucked as a treat so good. Velvety plums from the Sapadilla tree glisten in the sun As squirrels scamper happily having fun. The Koha continues its song at regular intervals Reminding us that Aluth Aurudha is near. Roasted rice flour, cashews and treacle Ready for the preparation of sweets for the table. Milk rice and combs of bananas Usher in the New Year to the sounds of the Rabana. Charmaine Candappa Click here to receive your free copy of the eLanka Newsletter twice a week delivered directly to your inbox! ...
Apr 8, 2024
Posted
Articles, Charmaine Candappa
Tagged April, Erabadhu, Feasting Time, Sinhala Aurudu, yellow Erabadhu flowers
Reminiscing – by Charmaine Candappa I used to have a difficult time with my birthday. As a child, I found birthdays full of fun and excitement. During my childhood and growing up years, my neighbor and childhood friend Rai who is the same age as me, celebrates her birthday in May, and mine in July. Rai always had a bunch of kids, come over on her birthday each year where there was fun and games. Musical chairs were the highlight of the early evening. There were prizes to be won, a doll, a box of candy, and if we were lucky, an Enid Blyton’s story book. As the youngest of six in my family. I was an uncomfortable child growing up, with four brothers, and a sister ten years older than me. Also I was happy to have an outgoing friend as my neighbor who pulled me around her world. My friend ...
Jul 21, 2023
Posted
Articles, Charmaine Candappa
Tagged Birth day Reminiscing, Birthday, Charmaine Candappa
Childhood memories -The summer holidays – By Charmaine Candappa As a child I would always look forward to spending a part of my summer holidays at the home of my aunt, my mom’s sister. My childhood was a happy one, since I got to play with my neighbor and friend Rai. I needed Rai more than she needed me. Rai had many toys and dolls of to play. She also had a bicycle to ride around the compound. I would look over the wall that separated our homes as Rai rode her bike from her garage to her front gate. We too had bikes, but they belonged to my brother Joe. He would not let me ride, as it was his pride and joy. He polished it, oiled its wheels and brakes. My childhood despite not having much toys, books, and a bicycle to ride was a happy one. I ...
Jul 8, 2023
Posted
Articles, Charmaine Candappa
Tagged BOOKS, Charmaine Candappa, Childhood, play, toys
Zhade – ( My Jamaican neighbour ) – by Charmaine Candappa Across my home lives Zhade Her eyes are as clear as the blue green waters of the sea She wears a jacket of many colors Colors of happiness That change with the Seasons Her laughter comes from the seashore She dispels gloom by the warmth of her presence She always sees that silver lining Hope is her keyword Her smile is like a rainbow And none oppose her happiness And her infectious joy. Charmaine. ...
When I pass this Earth – by Charmaine Candappa ( In memory of my brother ) When I pass this earth, the sky will turn around and look at you When I pass this earth, the salaniya will call in other languages When I pass this earth, the Koi fish will swirl around and around in the pond When I pass this earth, the orchids will nod gently in the breeze When I pass this earth, the guava will fall from the trees into your hands When I pass this earth I will take nothing, not even your fingerprints. C. C. ( May 2009 ) ...
Mother’s Day Remembrance Poems – by Charmaine Candappa Our mothers live deep inside us. No matter how old we get, we are always daughters of our mothers. I have these collective memories of being the daughter of my mom. These are two memory accounts that are embedded in my heart, that I wish to share on this Mother’s Day. Patchwork Quilt – by Charmaine Candappa My mother made me a patchwork quilt With odd remnant fabric, stitched together To keep me warm. I trace the threads of those memories of mother Sitting quietly as she sewed Each piece has her heart print Each heart print is a memory Wrapped warmly around me. My Mother’s Almirah – by Charmaine Candappa My dresses hang side by side inside my mother’s almirah I climb the shelves at the age of six Touching the clothes that smelled of strong camphor My dressers, mother’s sari blouses, and handbags Hang on brass hooks inside. I see ...
The Single Star & the Crescent Moon – Happy Eid Mubarak ! – by Charmaine Candappa The Single Star & the Crescent Moon. ( Sultanate of Oman ) 2005. I follow the single star and the crescent moon Seeing white mosques, minarets, and a golden dome I am held captive by the loveliness of the sky at night And the single star and the cresent moon. After evening prayers the people break fast Partaking in food throughout the night hours Some in their homes, and others out in parks Coming together with friends and family, in solidarity. I follow the single Star and the crescent moon Passing mosques and minarets and moonlit domes I look with wonder at the mystic night sky Which will withdraw at the dawning light. C.C. ...
Apr 23, 2023
Posted
Articles, Charmaine Candappa
Tagged Happy Eid Mubarak, The Single Star & the Crescent Moon
Poem For My Daughter – by Charmaine Candappa Take this necklace and wear it with caring I have made you more with rubies and pearls. My lovely daughter I have also made A clasp of gold, for you to behold. When you bathe, sprinkle perfume in the water Jasmine flowers will be weaved into your hair. Don’t forget the rings for your fingers Red henna on your toes And silver anklets for your feet bare. I love you my child, my darling daughter You have left footprints in my heart and on your father’s too. A memory of foot prints to cherish and to hold And all I ask that this poem In your heart behold. C.C. ...
