Seated on low chairs
Inside dirty taverns
Staring at the roof
Perhaps heads on tables
At times, just jabbering
With unknown neighbours
What was it we searched?
What did we seek?
What were we longing for?
Was it only to get drunk?
With tearing eyes
Or weeping hearts
At times, with innocent smiles
We dreamt !!!
Of lost childhood dreams
Of romances that slipped away
Of luxuries we never had
Of worlds with no villains
With praying hands
Or empty heads
At times with giggles
We dreamt
Of wives who were kinder
Of a kid's smile, we never saw
Of titles we never earned
Of bosses less angry
Or governments - less corrupt
Were they hidden there?
In those dirty Taverns!
Somewhere close by, perhaps?
In drunk minds - lost in moments
We became unicorns
Feared generals
Ches and Fidels
Rebels and lovers
Built grandiose palaces
Flew in jets that were private
Slayed dragons that were hiding
Under our beds
But wait….
Was there no truth to them
At all?
In any of it?
Of those dreams - colourful and fancy
Of both the drunk and the sober?
But why?
Why did they sell them to us in the taverns?
For such cheap money
Dhanuka Dickwella is a distinguished Sri Lankan poet, author, and multifaceted professional whose work spans literature, geopolitics, and social activism. Holding a Master’s degree in International Relations, he has established himself as an expert in geopolitics and geoeconomics, fields that inform his analytical and creative endeavours.
His professional portfolio includes significant editorial and journalistic roles: he serves as the Executive Editor of The Asian Reviews magazine, a platform dedicated to bridging the literary worlds of East and West. Additionally, he contributes as a guest writer for the Chicago-based Armenian Mirror-Spectator, focusing on geopolitical issues in the Caucasus region, and as a columnist and guest speaker for Force, an Indian magazine addressing security and defense matters. Dickwella’s career in public service is equally notable. Dhanuka Dickwella is the Chief Coordinator for Canada for the Panorama International Literature Festival 2026. He has been actively involved in Sri Lankan politics, having served as a grassroots politician, political campaign director, and council member of a local government body in a rural Sri Lankan town. Prior to his political engagements, he founded and led a foundation dedicated to empowering youth and supporting underprivileged communities, reflecting his commitment to social equity. Currently, he advises youth groups on political activism and broader political trends, leveraging his extensive experience to foster the next generation of civic leaders. Beyond his analytical and political pursuits, Dickwella is a celebrated poet and blogger whose literary work explores the complexities of human emotion and experience. His debut poetry collection, Voices of Lust, Love and Other Things, showcases his ability to weave personal narrative with universal themes. An ardent climate and social activist, he champions sustainable development and social justice, driven by a vision of a better world for future generations. A proud Sri Lankan patriot, Dickwella is also a devoted father to his daughter, whose influence is a cornerstone of his personal and creative life. Dhanuka Dickwella’s diverse achievements reflect a rare synthesis of intellectual rigor, artistic expression, and civic dedication, positioning him as a prominent voice in both Sri Lankan and global contexts.
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