Pandit Ravi Shankar, Indian musician and composer who introduced Indian classical music to the West, turned 90 in April, this year. I was privileged to be part of the audience at a concert he gave in Melbourne with his talented daughter, Anoushka. This poem is offered with grateful thanks.
Ageless Ecstasy
A gnome of a man
graced the stage last night
on the arm of his beautiful daughter.
The house was packed with saris
as the audience rose in adoration.
His sitar seemed at first a size too big,
but as the music swelled
and tabla joined in joyous crescendo,
he shed the years like an old skin -
transported to ageless ecstasy.
When the night was over
He smiled and placed his hands together.
Namaste Ravi Shankar.
dahlusion
Ravi and I share a birthday: April 7th. Nice poem!! bravo!!!!!!! peace and light, dah
Ravi and I share a birthday: April 7th. Nice poem!! bravo!!!!!!! peace and light, dah
Kamala
Panditji's music just takes one of the environment and provides a world one wishes to have for ever. Alison this poem not only gives one the insight....its powerpacked with the brevity....wow
Panditji's music just takes one of the environment and provides a world one wishes to have for ever. Alison this poem not only gives one the insight....its powerpacked with the brevity....wow
Prashant Shaurya
such a fitting tribute to the music of a great musician.. he is a legend madam making India all the more proud.. thanks for sharing regards prashant
such a fitting tribute to the music of a great musician.. he is a legend madam making India all the more proud.. thanks for sharing regards prashant
Shashendra Amalshan
Yeah a great tribute Allie. Very true indeed, Indian music has touched many hearts world wide and we should all be thankful to those greats souls for composing such great music. This is a very nice tribute to a great musician. (Hope you are doing ok, it is after sometime that i log in to pf and thought of visiting few of my good friends, take care Allie)
Yeah a great tribute Allie. Very true indeed, Indian music has touched many hearts world wide and we should all be thankful to those greats souls for composing such great music. This is a very nice tribute to a great musician. (Hope you are doing ok, it is after sometime that i log in to pf and thought of visiting few of my good friends, take care Allie)
robyn selters
Before such greatness one is awed... we are in deep respect and appreciation with you... and for your fine poem we thank you for sharing this moment with such grace
Before such greatness one is awed... we are in deep respect and appreciation with you... and for your fine poem we thank you for sharing this moment with such grace
seema chowdhury
a nice tribute to a man who deserves it.
a nice tribute to a man who deserves it.
Ken e Hall
Lovely tribute to a wonderful musician and indeed a night to remember...Indian music is so soothing..as a matter of fact as my wife is a yoga teacher I have for the last ten years done yoga to soft quiet Indian music...transported to ageless ecstasy. regards
Lovely tribute to a wonderful musician and indeed a night to remember...Indian music is so soothing..as a matter of fact as my wife is a yoga teacher I have for the last ten years done yoga to soft quiet Indian music...transported to ageless ecstasy. regards
Munia Khan
A tribute to a master of music from a master of poetry I must say Allie...This piece genuinely reflects how deeply you enjoyed that fabulous night.Thanks to you for this lovely poem.
A tribute to a master of music from a master of poetry I must say Allie...This piece genuinely reflects how deeply you enjoyed that fabulous night.Thanks to you for this lovely poem.
sonetta
what a beautiful evening that was....he truly is a master, those aged gnarled hands playing fast and furious....yes, ageless is he and his music....and we are lucky that he has imparted his genes with his amazing daughter Anoushka, who has taken up the same instrument and will continue the tradition, and also her half-sister, Norah Jones....
what a beautiful evening that was....he truly is a master, those aged gnarled hands playing fast and furious....yes, ageless is he and his music....and we are lucky that he has imparted his genes with his amazing daughter Anoushka, who has taken up the same instrument and will continue the tradition, and also her half-sister, Norah Jones....
Sandra Martyres
What a beautiful tribute to Pandit Ravi Shankar....and Anoushka..
What a beautiful tribute to Pandit Ravi Shankar....and Anoushka..
Fay Slimm
What a talent in both man and daughter. Thank you for the pleasure given in this chosen video dear Allie in introducing the ageless Ravi Shankar and his music to those never having had the pleasure before. The tribute is of your usual depth in observed and well expressed detail with asides to challenge your reader's mind - such as "he shed the years like an old skin" - - an exhuberant experience to have so delightfully shared - - thank you my friend.
What a talent in both man and daughter. Thank you for the pleasure given in this chosen video dear Allie in introducing the ageless Ravi Shankar and his music to those never having had the pleasure before. The tribute is of your usual depth in observed and well expressed detail with asides to challenge your reader's mind - such as "he shed the years like an old skin" - - an exhuberant experience to have so delightfully shared - - thank you my friend.
sathyanarayana
a good tribute to a great Sitar maestro. All Indians are proud of Sri Ravi Shankar.
a good tribute to a great Sitar maestro. All Indians are proud of Sri Ravi Shankar.
nimal dunuhinga
Thank you so much Alison for introducing Pandit Ravi Shankar and his daughter Anoushka, You had a nice time with a Genius! Your poem gives cosmic rays and merits for you my fair Lady!
Thank you so much Alison for introducing Pandit Ravi Shankar and his daughter Anoushka, You had a nice time with a Genius! Your poem gives cosmic rays and merits for you my fair Lady!
Karin Anderson
How wonderful is the internet that we can share the ageless enthusiasm and amazing musical pace of Pandit and his daughter that you enjoyed so much. No doubt music keeps his spirits high and defies him to grow old as he is so young at heart. Thanks for sharing Alison~~
How wonderful is the internet that we can share the ageless enthusiasm and amazing musical pace of Pandit and his daughter that you enjoyed so much. No doubt music keeps his spirits high and defies him to grow old as he is so young at heart. Thanks for sharing Alison~~
Dorothy A. Holmes apwlts2
Alison, Thank you for sharing your joyful evening in this fine poem and music...Love it! Dorothy A Poet Who Loves To Sing Dorothy A Poet Who Loves To Sing
Alison, Thank you for sharing your joyful evening in this fine poem and music...Love it! Dorothy A Poet Who Loves To Sing Dorothy A Poet Who Loves To Sing
carol
what a concert! lucky you are
what a concert! lucky you are
PrEmJi PrEmJi
Even i was lucky enough to attend a program of Panditji and Anoushka in 2000. what a performance...thanks for sharing...
Even i was lucky enough to attend a program of Panditji and Anoushka in 2000. what a performance...thanks for sharing...
A great tribute, namasthe Ravi shankar......written so nicely .