An old concrete pier at Valiyathura
Leans towards the sea
It has survived the waves for decades
And even the tsunami
It has steps to reach the waters
It used to welcome boats carrying
Rice and other cargo
From the bigger ships anchored
On the deep sea
It used to be a hub of smuggling too
As it is near the notorious area
That sell smuggled goods from abroad
The remnants of old rooms still remain
Now the pier is a tourist spot
Where people come to see the sunset
Feel the breeze from the sea
And enjoy the beauty of the beach
There are holes in the platform
The fishes are visible through them
Crabs cling on to the columns
Other fishes swim around them
Anglers here use strings to catch fish
They wait patiently on the edges
Until the fishes get hooked
Unseen varieties are caught
They keep them on the platform
For the visitors to see
And the visitors' bargain for fish
The fishermen jump onto the sea
from the pier like Olympic divers
When their boats make it to deeper waters
They swim towards their boats as if in a race
Fisherfolks sell fish at the entrance of the pier
Other dwellers walk through the pier
To sell snacks and fancy items
I remember visiting the pier
As a kid with my father
I love sitting on the deeper end
And watch the sunset and the fishing boats
A recent renovation has given the pier
A fresh lease of life
Image from www.keralatourism.org
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