Pilgrimage

The train, halted under the shade of sacred hill They flowed out, and, wandered here and there holding big, small, colorful, old and new packs of belongings To, find comfortable chests and knees some carelessly slept on un-desiring places, but many there stood still to face the misty, white clouded sky beyond the ridge, Perceived their feet had reached the starting point of adventurous tramp Men, women, young and old with little ones crept forward Just like a bunchy row of ants filled with amazement; some stood, and watched the vivid green forest canopy and flowering ferns swinging in the frosty breeze!! The minds filled with compassion, harmony and respect each other By murmurous chanting, that oozed into their veins in the morning twilight Tenderness of beams brighten the white dresses of devotees Time passed slowly And the far valley down, a string of people moving upwards on the zigzagged narrow path Surrounded by thick green vegetation which being the habitat of bees, birds, butterflies and variety of big and small animals Oozy willows dropping pearl like cold water drops But few of moving people put a glance at the phenomenon! What a peregrination, having a cool gust thrill which each body and its soul begird The strenuous walk will bring to a halt at the noble foot print Some managed to reach the desired end but some could not attain the will they stopped hopelessly, stepped down with forsaken aspiration those who topped the hill, huddle together engaged customary rituals, The eco of the ringing bell spread over the chilled atmosphere through hill tops, forest, and the moving folks Excitement broke out Devotees squeezed catch a glimpse of sunshine! The sun appeared slowly with a trembling smile through the glistening horizon Sunshine! Miraculously radiated across the mountain range, forest canopy and everything open to tender beams of light What a huge strength, Noble hopes and wishes fulfilled the pilgrimage! J.Weerakkody (This poem is about pilgrims who climb the summit of breezy sacred mountain of Sripada, the holy mountain of Sri Lanka, where suppose to be emblematized the footprint of Lord Buddha. After worshiping the sacred footprints the devotees anxiously watch the panoramic maiden sun rise over the sacred mountain. The poem is vividly realized descriptions of nature.)