Bucolic Life

By Kieran

 Bucolic Life


*Bucolic life*

Loose Artwork of a watershed and original poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 inspired by my August 2022, 10-day stay in a remote village in Manipur 

I'm always struck by the clarity in village life; some call it boring, but that's not true

You learn to live with what you have; there are no 24x7 convenience stores, no drive-through


You get up at the crack of dawn, knowing exactly what needs to be done, no questions asked

The cows need to be milked and the farm animals fed, no matter, rain or shine in the forecast


After a quick breakfast, it's off to the fields to tend to the vegetable patch that needs care

You hurry to get all the outside work done before the heat of noon, no time to stand and stare


As you putter around the farm, your neighbour calls out asking for help, so you take a detour

Then it's time to fill the water troughs before doing the thankless task of raking the manure


After lunch, you get busy trying to fix the water pump that suddenly broke down yesterday

Then it's off to check the fishing nets to see if there are any catfish - it's your lucky day


No time for an afternoon nap, the chicken coop needs cleaning; you take the goats out to graze

Life ebbs and flows with the seasons; An honest day's work is good for the soul, worthy of praise


Comments

Anonymous said…
Nostalgic indeed! I’d like to find a village like this to escape to. (WhatsApp comment from a childhood friend)
September 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Kieran said…
This was my trip to David’s SALT project at Aben. The scenery is an abstract of course but it fits right in - Kieran
September 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Stained Glass

By Kieran
Image
  Origin and Significance of Stained Glass Stained glass has ancient roots, but it became especially prominent during the medieval period, particularly in Christian church architecture. The earliest known examples of coloured glass date back to ancient Egypt and Rome used decoratively in windows and mosaics. In the 12th–15th century, stained glass became a hallmark of Gothic cathedrals in Europe, reaching its peak in France, England, and Germany.    Biblical Storytelling: In a largely illiterate society, stained glass windows illustrated scenes from the Bible saints’ lives, and moral lessons, serving as a visual scripture for the masses.    Spiritual Atmosphere: The interplay of light and colour symbolized divine presence, aiming to elevate the worshipper's spirit and represent heavenly light entering sacred space. Stained glass contributed to the aesthetic grandeur of cathedrals like Chartres and Notre Dame.  It influenced architectural design, as Gothic a...
Read more

Pope Leo

By Kieran
Image
  Pope Leo XIV On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Conclave of 133 Roman Catholic Cardinals elected a new Pope for 1.4 billion faithful, the  267th in the line of Pontiffs that dates back to St Peter, who was handpicked by Jesus Christ himself. [ Matthew 16:18 ] Before he was elected Pope Leo XIV, Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Frost Prevost spent  much of his life outside the United States. Ordained in Rome in 1982 at age 27, he received a doctorate in canon law at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, also in Rome.  For the past two decades he was a missionary in Chilayco, Peru, serving as a parish priest, seminary teacher, and diocesan official.  Here he also became a naturalized citizen, then rose to lead his international religious community, the Order of St. Augustine. Under Pope Francis, he held one of the most influential Vatican posts, running the office that selects and manages bishops globally. His deep connection to Latin America helped him gain a...
Read more

Blue Bird

By Kieran
Image
My homage to Azulejos - the striking white and blue ceramic tiles of Portugal.  The name 'azulejos' is derived from the Arabic word 'al zuleique', which means “little polished stone”. The tiles were originally brought to Europe by invading Moors in the 13th century - a style that employs flowing lines, stars, flowers, foliage, fruits and sometimes animal and figural outlines to produce an intricate pattern of interlaced lines that can be tiled in endless combinations.   The art and history of azulejos have left an indelible mark on Portuguese culture and heritage. These vibrant and intricate tiles have adorned buildings, churches, and public spaces for centuries, captivating the eyes and hearts of locals and visitors alike.  The enduring legacy of Portuguese tile-making is a testament to the skill, creativity, and craftsmanship of the artisans who have dedicated themselves to this art form throughout history. This is one of my compositions inspired by a window decal at...
Read more