Memories linger as sweet dreams

Flower petals on moonlit waters

Cloudy cheeks of velvet black night

Stars shone as eyes of night bright

Watching me play at that

Cool meadow of childhood..

So many days and nights went by

Passing memories with colour and light

Somewhere between then and now

Childhood left over with no turn..

Those were times with full of dreams

Which came true with growing by

Cherishing memories are now dreams

Haunting in the depths of mind….

As moon peeps on sleepless nights

Pouring silver light on earth

With the creamy cheeks unchanged with time Brings me sensation of dreams…

-Hasithi Pabasara Ranasinghe.

29^th batch

3^rd Place

Talents Literary Competitions 2023

Poetry category

Organised by the Arts Circle, FMS, USJ

As Long as you’re Happy

In the heart of a quaint town nestled by the edge of a lush forest under a hillside, there lived Lukas, a quiet young teen. He was known to spend ungodly hours in the forest. It was peaceful there. He had always preferred the company of animals to humans. His human friends already abandoned him long ago.

One day on his journey to the forest, he noticed some classmates harassing a small rabbit. He was no fighter, but he tried his best to stop them. He ended with face, planted on the floor, but the rabbit escaped. Lukas got back up, but he was upset. During the fray, the hooligans smashed his wooden locket. A gift from his beloved late grandfather. With a sigh he dropped the fragments to the ground.

Surprisingly however, the rabbit from earlier returned. It nuzzled close to his leg then promptly hopped towards the forest as if prompting him to follow. So, he did, going deeper to the forest than ever. Until reaching a hidden, glowing pond. He saw something incredible. A butterfly with wings of shimmering hues, reflecting the colors of a summer sunrise.

To his amazement, the butterfly transformed before his very eyes into a luminous figure—a butterfly spirit. Her tall form emanated an otherworldly glow, and her eyes sparkled like a star in a night sky. Lukas was usually afraid of meeting new people, but with her, he felt nothing but warmth.

The spirit thanked him for saving the little rabbit. She flew towards him and introduced herself as Lila. Lukas introduced himself as well, asking if he would be welcome, where she is now. Lila replied with a smile.

Days turned into weeks, and Lukas and Lila spent their time together, exploring the forest’s hidden corners and whispering secrets only they knew. They marveled at nature, its intricate tapestry of life unfolding before their eyes. In each other’s presence, they found solace and understanding, a profound connection that transcended their differences.

As their adventures continued, Lukas’s admiration for Lila deepened. He found himself captivated by her ethereal presence, her inquisitive spirit, headstrong nature, and love for the world.

It was during one starry night, they lay on the hillside spotting the constellations, did he realize that he had fallen for her. In a moment of vulnerability, Lukas confessed his feelings to Lila, his voice filled with a mix of hope and trepidation. In that awkward silence, Lila took his hands into hers. She nervously told him that she accepted his feelings but was hesitant to return them. As she is a spirit she is called to the wilds of the world. Lila yearned to explore the world, to experience the freedom only the skies could offer.

It was a bittersweet revelation that left Lukas torn between his desire to keep Lila by his side and his understanding of her need to soar. Unable to face her at this moment, he turned away. The memories of abandonment crept its way into his heart. But in the midst of the torrent, he remembered Lila’s smile. He determined long ago never to never be the one that takes it away.

He walked back to the remorseful spirit and embraced her. Whispering to her “go on. fly into those skies you love dearly. As long as you’re happy, I’ll be alright”. With tearful eyes Lila whispered in return, that she’ll never forget him, and he’ll be in her heart till time itself ends. With that, she disappeared into the night sky as a butterfly.

A year passed on… One day Lukas had wandered once again into the forest. He found himself again near that fateful pond so long ago. Walking up to it, he found a box near the water’s edge. Most curious this finding was. He went closer to it and opened it, to find his grandfather’s locket, now fully fixed. He held it close to his heart, smiled, and wept.

– Harith Weeraman

32nd batch

1st Place

Talents Literary Competition 2023

Short story category

Organised by he Arts Circle, FMS, USJ

Honey Hoppers

Once,a man well suited up felt hungry to the point he decided to pull over
his car and have something to eat at a nearby street side restaurant.
It was not one of those fancy restaurants he prefers to visit once in a
while.He simply had no other choice. He decided to sit at a table near the
entrance so that he could get a breath of fresh air. The atmosphere inside
the restaurant was suffocating for a man like him who always chose air
conditioned commutables whenever he could.
“Ugh!”, he let out with a sigh.
“I never should have stepped inside.How do people even eat at a place like
this? Stupid me for not having breakfast when mom insisted me to”,he
complained to himself.
“Err,excuse me waiter. Can you please take my order?”,he finally gathered
courage to place the order since he couldn’t bear the troubling hunger
anymore.
“Yes,sir. How can I help you?”,asked the waiter.
“Two plain hoppers,please.”
“Anything more to add,sir? How about some side dishes?”,asked the waiter
in return.
“NO!This would be more than enough”,he sternly replied.
“God knows how hygienic this place is.Why would I want to risk my health
by having egg hoppers and side dishes?I am not even sure about the
beverages they serve here.”, he thought to himself while having a quick
glance over the kitchen.
It was not long before when he was served with his order,two fresh sizzling
hot hoppers.
“Wait a minute. What the hell do you think this is? Am I a joke to you? Why
are the hoppers brown? I ordered plain hoppers,not honey hoppers. Did
your so called cook add treacle to the hoppers to make it look fancy?”
His complaining was so loud that even the other diners looked in shock as to
what was happening all of a sudden.
The waiter feeling uncomfortable as ever,in a soft voice said,”Sir,but these
are plain hoppers. We do not even serve honey hoppers here.”
Underwhelmed and in an attempt to get the crowd’s attention even more
this time,he fired back loud and aggressively,”Is this how you treat your
customers? What is the point of running a restaurant if you can’t even get
the orders right? This restaurant sucks big time.”
The waiter knew things were going to get worse. He slowly leaned towards
him and in a whispering tone said,”Perhaps if you removed your sunglasse
sir,you may realise what you are actually served with”
He was shook for a moment. It took him few good minutes to realise how
big of a fool he made of himself. He was embarrassed and could not even
face the waiter.
“It is alright,sir. I whispered so that the others would not hear.”
He felt even more embarrassed.

Inuri Hettiarachchi
29th batch

3^rd Place

Talents Literary Competition 2023

Short story category

Organised by he Arts Circle, FMS, USJ

ONE LAST QUESTION

What strange smell is that?
What strange feeling is this?
My fins are burning
And the chest suffocating
My time is so short I feel..

I have been swimming and swimming
Trying to move away
From the smoking fire dragon
Only to be drawn back
To the burning waters
By the harsh winds crashing on…

The enticing white pearls
Floating aplenty
Were the tastiest meal I had in my life
But why do I feel so unwell?
My family, friends, neighbours and all
Seem so sick, more unwell than I
Even the tough sharkies and the wise turtles
Don’t seem to be well and that makes me scared..

In the far horizon
The golden sandy beaches
Of which I had a glimpse or two
When I jumped up once a while
Are now covered in black
The pristine beauty tarnished
Just like all around me
As my strength fails
My throat burns
And crimson red blood gushes out..

All my dreams are fading
Dreams of long swims
Dreams of my love
Dreams of bubble nests
All to dissolve in my last breath
And float
As the last drop of air leaves me
I have just a single question..

WHY DID YOU DO THIS TO ME?

-Prof Sugandhika Suresh-

Department of Biochemistry, FMS, USJ

Doesn’t hurt to be kind

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”

A lie the world fooled me with, for they can do more than just “hurt” me

They break me, change me, leave scars no-one can heal

Was it our biggest failure or biggest victory, been able to feel?

‎

Words sharper than knives, thrown straight at my mind

Bullets embedded so deep, in places no surgeon can find

And there it lingers, brewing a heavy storm inside

Slowly dimming the light with which she beautifully shined

‎

Making mistakes like trying to fix the people who were out to break me

Care so much for the ones whose mind didn’t cross the thought of me

Waste precious moments on souls who were simply unable to see

All daunting lessons from the past, a chapter in history

‎

So tomorrow when you wake up, make the wise choice to be kind

Fail to take pride in the fact that, because of you another cries

Make sure your heart stays warm no matter how hard the world tries

To take away the sweetness with its cold and sour lies

‎

A word to those who uncovered the same truths of reality

Bask in the joyous moments, amidst life’s complexity

One day you’ll discover your worth, in the mirror’s reflection you’ll see

A flame that burns brightly, one that’ll shine eternally

‎

-Ayumi De Silva

32^nd batch

1^st Place

Talents Literary Competitions 2023

Poetry category

Organised by the Arts Circle, FMS, USJ

As Long as you’re Happy

In the heart of a quaint town nestled by the edge of a lush forest under a hillside, there lived Lukas, a quiet young teen. He was known to spend ungodly hours in the forest. It was peaceful there. He had always preferred the company of animals to humans. His human friends already abandoned him long ago.

One day on his journey to the forest, he noticed some classmates harassing a small rabbit. He was no fighter, but he tried his best to stop them. He ended with face, planted on the floor, but the rabbit escaped. Lukas got back up, but he was upset. During the fray, the hooligans smashed his wooden locket. A gift from his beloved late grandfather. With a sigh he dropped the fragments to the ground.

Surprisingly however, the rabbit from earlier returned. It nuzzled close to his leg then promptly hopped towards the forest as if prompting him to follow. So, he did, going deeper to the forest than ever. Until reaching a hidden, glowing pond. He saw something incredible. A butterfly with wings of shimmering hues, reflecting the colors of a summer sunrise.

To his amazement, the butterfly transformed before his very eyes into a luminous figure—a butterfly spirit. Her tall form emanated an otherworldly glow, and her eyes sparkled like a star in a night sky. Lukas was usually afraid of meeting new people, but with her, he felt nothing but warmth.

The spirit thanked him for saving the little rabbit. She flew towards him and introduced herself as Lila. Lukas introduced himself as well, asking if he would be welcome, where she is now. Lila replied with a smile.

Days turned into weeks, and Lukas and Lila spent their time together, exploring the forest’s hidden corners and whispering secrets only they knew. They marveled at nature, its intricate tapestry of life unfolding before their eyes. In each other’s presence, they found solace and understanding, a profound connection that transcended their differences.

As their adventures continued, Lukas’s admiration for Lila deepened. He found himself captivated by her ethereal presence, her inquisitive spirit, headstrong nature, and love for the world.

It was during one starry night, they lay on the hillside spotting the constellations, did he realize that he had fallen for her. In a moment of vulnerability, Lukas confessed his feelings to Lila, his voice filled with a mix of hope and trepidation. In that awkward silence, Lila took his hands into hers. She nervously told him that she accepted his feelings but was hesitant to return them. As she is a spirit she is called to the wilds of the world. Lila yearned to explore the world, to experience the freedom only the skies could offer.

It was a bittersweet revelation that left Lukas torn between his desire to keep Lila by his side and his understanding of her need to soar. Unable to face her at this moment, he turned away. The memories of abandonment crept its way into his heart. But in the midst of the torrent, he remembered Lila’s smile. He determined long ago never to never be the one that takes it away.

He walked back to the remorseful spirit and embraced her. Whispering to her “go on. fly into those skies you love dearly. As long as you’re happy, I’ll be alright”. With tearful eyes Lila whispered in return, that she’ll never forget him, and he’ll be in her heart till time itself ends. With that, she disappeared into the night sky as a butterfly.

A year passed on… One day Lukas had wandered once again into the forest. He found himself again near that fateful pond so long ago. Walking up to it, he found a box near the water’s edge. Most curious this finding was. He went closer to it and opened it, to find his grandfather’s locket, now fully fixed. He held it close to his heart, smiled, and wept.

– Harith Weeraman

32nd batch

1st Place

Talents Literary Competition 2023

Short story category

Organised by he Arts Circle, FMS, USJ

An Unrequited Love

Argh! I am bonkers, or

‘Tis the void I feel?

I have no tolerance

to fathom it.

I am deeply deprived

of something; someone.

Perhaps ’tis the reason

for this void -maybe not

or indeed, indeed, it is.

Oh, dear lord, I feel

a bit of both lately.

Care for thy servant’s

anguished heart.

-Nadz

PAST EVENING!

It’s time to say bye 

to the shiny gold sun

And to put an end 

to the evening fun.

Eyes covered with tears

Maybe sad about today

or

Happy about tomorrow

Who knows, but

Sweeter or bitter

It’s past evening.

Ahmed Kamaldeen

33^rd Batch

Everything is going to be alright…

I opened my eyes as the splish splash of water droplets disturbed the tranquility of the surrounding. It took me few seconds to realize that it’s the shower of my bathroom. The cold water was pouring heavily on a younger version of myself. She looked miserable with eyes red with sorrow and regret. She wept softly and tears rolled down her chubby cheeks. My heart ached by seeing her agonized face. Deep down I knew the reasons behind her tears. She released her pain by weeping for few minutes. Then she got up, dried her tears and strolled towards her bedroom like a phoenix who rises from its own ashes. She forced a smile and muttered softly to herself, “You’ve got this”. I smiled gently at her and whispered, “Everything is going to be alright”.

You might be going through a hard time right now. But just take a minute to look at the lovely person in the mirror and give her a genuine pleasant smile. Then close your eyes and rest your hand upon your chest and feel the magical sound of your heartbeat. Then shift your focus towards your breath and release a sigh of relief because according to Darren E. Laws, “If you are still breathing maybe it is not such a bad day after all”

-Afrah Zainamb

33^rd batch

LET TIME PASS

In a distant day, within the tapestry of another time, a vivid vision unfolded.

A tranquil park embraced the essence of serenity, and there, beneath the canopy of the heavens, I found myself a stranger in my own past.

And there, on a sun-warmed bench, sat a younger me, a boy on the precipice of a momentous choice.

This day etched itself into memory, for it marked the precipice of my entry into the world of medicine. The younger version of myself, a boy on the cusp of a new chapter, sat alone with a cloak of mental affliction.

Amidst the jubilant celebrations of others for their achievements, Young me submerged in a sea of uncertainty and trepidation. Anxiety clung to him like a shadow, questioning the path ahead.

Questions loomed to him like shadows: Is everything going to be, okay? Was this the chosen journey? Wasthis the destiny I sought, my glorious purpose? His mental anguish was palpable. The vibrant sunset reflected not in his eyes, but in the tears threatening to spill.

Medicine, the path he’d clawed towards with sweat and sleepless nights, seemed to loom before him like a mountain shrouded in doubt.

This day, though many years apart, I will never forget.

I watched, unseen like a ghost, as I approached my younger self, a phantom hand settling on his trembling shoulder.

Looming from behind in silent contemplation, I reached out and placed a reassuring palm on his despondent shoulder. A smile graced my face, an unseen reassurance that traversed the realms of time.

My hand gently descended upon the shoulders weighed down by the burden of doubt. Though he could not feel it, a whispered assurance reached the ears of the tormented younger self.

“We did it, little one” I murmured, few words for the aching soul. “Don’t worry. Believe in your choices, and everything will unfold in the beauty of your hard work. Let time pass. It was truly worth it!”

His eyes, clouded with doubt, sparked with a sudden flame. A surge of energy pulsed through his being, an unspoken pact between past and future selves, a bridge between yesterday and tomorrow. The younger me rose, shedding the cloak of mental affliction. A newfound purpose radiated from his being, as if the wisdom of the future had infused him with courage. With a smile, he turned to acknowledge the source of the uplifting words, and he turned, seeking the unknown source of encouragement, the echo of his future self

With a heart lightened, he embarked on the journey ahead, armed with a renewed sense of purpose giftedby the visionary future self. The sun dipped below the horizon, marking not just the end of a day, but the birth of a renewed spirit. And I, the ghost of futures fulfilled, drifted back into the twilight with the hope and faith of resolutions whispered across time

-Inam Ifthikar

33^rd Batch