WHISPERS From The EAST

By Fr Nilora SVD Swans dance, love’s gentle emblem, Pigeons coo, heralds of tranquil peace. In harmony, they frolic, a feathered dream, Gunnersbury’s waters, a serene release. Stand for love, a beacon so bright, Pray for peace, in the soft twilight. Harmony weaves, a tranquil art, In the land of heart, let joy depart.

By Fr Nilora SVD Beneath the boughs of Garrick’s Lawn I rest, Norris Bishop Marshall’s bench, a timeless crest. Before the chapel, a shrine to the Bard, In Hampton’s embrace, life’s beauty unbarred. Beside the river, a symphony of song, Nature’s chorus, where I belong. The flight of birds, a dance in the sky, Water’s gentle movement, a lullaby. Pleasing to the eyes, this vibrant scene, A portrait of serenity, evergreen. To the soul, a balm, a tranquil hymn, In this haven, my spirit takes a swim. With each passing day, joy’s gentle flow, May it linger and gracefully grow. In the shadows of trees, by the river so fine, I pray for this peace, forever be mine.

By Fr Nilora SVD In Hampton’s sunset, I witnessed your grace, A celestial canvas, a masterpiece to embrace. A moment of glory, your creation admired, Nature’s symphony, in the dusk, inspired. A special time unfolds as the sun takes its bow, Embracing the darkness, a celestial vow. In the twilight, your mark is warmly received, Harmony of beauty, a promise believed. The sun’s descent, a ballet in the sky, Painting hues of warmth, a mesmerizing sigh. In this time of sunset, a tranquil delight, Where day and night gracefully unite.

By Fr Nilora SVD In a world captivated by tales of gothic vampires, where Dracula’s image often springs to mind with his pale visage and sharp teeth, there lies a castle in Ireland with its own fascinating history – Donamon Castle. While there are no vampires lurking within its ancient walls, the castle has seen its share of mysteries and transformations over the centuries. Donamon Castle, nestled in the Irish countryside, is a place where history and legend intertwine. Its story begins long ago, dating back to 1154, as mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters. The name itself, Donamon, evokes a sense of ancient strength: Dun Lomghuin, the fortress of Lomghuin. Throughout the ages, Donamon Castle witnessed its share of destruction and renewal, a testament to the resilience of its stone walls and the spirit of its inhabitants. Yet, it also harbors a tale of a 19-year vacancy from 1920 to 1939, during which locals believed it was haunted by the ghost of a former bailiff. A shadowy cha...

In the vibrant streets of Bristol, I embarked on a journey to visit a sick individual in Elton Road. However, my attention was diverted by the captivating graffiti adorning Princess Row, Dighton Street, Cheltenham Road, and Picton Street. Intrigued by the “smile-inspiring” artworks, I returned the next day with my Nikon to immortalize these urban masterpieces.  Graffiti, often dismissed as mere vandalism, serves as an unfiltered expression of societal nuances. Bristol, home to the renowned artist Banksy, showcases his thought-provoking graffiti at the Bristol Museum. Despite attracting over 230,000 visitors, opinions on Banksy’s work remain divided.  Banksy challenges the traditional art world, stating, “When you go to an art gallery, you are simply a tourist looking at the trophy cabinet of a few millionaires.” This sentiment echoes in his exhibition’s title, “Banksy vs Bristol Museum,” prompting reflection on the role of art in a socio-economic context.  As graffiti eme...

Amidst the glitz and glamour of the 2007 BBC Sport Personality of the Year awards in London, a hushed anticipation settled over the audience as Sir Bobby Robson ascended the stage to receive the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award. Yet, it was not a grand soliloquy or boastful speech that graced the occasion. Instead, Sir Bobby’s words were a masterclass in humility and gratitude, echoing through the hall: “Nobody wins anything on their own,” he declared, “This award really is an extension and opportunity for me to say thank you very much to everybody that has supported me.” In that crystalline moment, Sir Bobby gifted the world a profound lesson - that our journey through life is not a solitary pilgrimage but a collective tapestry woven from the countless acts of kindness, support, and sacrifice by those who have traversed our path. He reminded us that our present existence stands upon the foundation laid by countless hands, both past and present. Sir Bobby’s words invite contempla...