An Old Pier

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