This shot was captured at Seawoods wetland on a hazy winter morning. The Black-winged Stilt was a lone chap scavenging for molluscs and other crustaceans besides the cacophony of the Pink Flamingo. I could distinctly observe that he was paying close attention to the largely still water as if in Self-acceptence or self-realization. The broken feathers of the Flamingo scattered in the shallow pond, made a cathartic canvas. It delved me to think deeper, whether we as a species, do practice self-reflection or for that matter examine ourselves thoroughly and introspect on our actions.
The Poem – Reflection, is born out of this sight.
Tormented face which I desist
It’s been ages, I didn’t look in the mirror
Scars of the past
There to last
Today was distinct
The weather was smoggy
With haze inordinate
And the air seemed polluted
Yet I felt resolute
Broken feathers constellate
Perhaps aided by the winter wind
The same wind tickled me
And gave me strength
To meander
And stand in front of the mirror
Looking assiduously
I saw a beautiful me
The bruised brow
The ignominy
The gashed lips
All seemed unrealistic
A new me was born in the reflection
I no longer curse the infliction
Copyright– Sameer S Nilatkar
