Flow

A wondrous feeling,

it's difficult to attain,

few would have achieved, 

this heightened sensation. 

" In the zone "

They have various meanings,

yet, it take time and efforts,

to reach, pinnacle of our feelings. 

Some might be more attuned, 

a product of their upbringing,

or being genetically gifted,

to attain it more frequently. 

Flow...

A term coined by psychologist, 

to define this mental stimulation, 

the state, of complete absorption, 

being fully engaged, complete immersion. 

Just passion is not enough,

it has to be more challenging, 

not difficult or overwhelming, 

our skills, matching the activity. 

And we would enjoy without expecting, 

the experiences are rewarding enough,

helping us learn, improving our skills

using the obstacles, as stepping stones. 

Flow...

It might not to be possessed,

yet, can give us directions,

in professional or creative pursuits,

reaching a state, of an optimal experience. 

A train journey

It was a normal day, 

I wake up, completed toiletries, getting ready for my work, something of a routine anyway.

And I went out, took my bag along. A usual day it was, with nice weather, for my drive.

As the wind blew, my hair got disheveled, 

and I remembered, I forgot my helmet.

I feared of getting caught, fined by traffic police, chose to return to home. 

Yet, something happened, my heart whispered; let's see what will happen, 

for today is the day of adventure. 

And I changed my direction, went to nearby railway station. Parking bike, I brought a ticket that was available.

So started my escapades, a window seat was all I needed, watching the passing sceneries, every smell was new, nostalgic sometimes.

As the crowd grew, station came and left behind, and I was left surprised, of my own decision.

Hours passed, and I was engrossed, watching life, outside my window.

A passenger asked, intrigued of my beaming face. " Why do I seem so happy, where am I from, and what's my terminal station?

I was taken aback, took moments to ponder, finally smiled, looked into his eyes, and answered;

" I have no reason, or any destination,  

it's been a long time since, I have found my freedom "

Rewinding days, cassette

Rummaging through storage room,

I came across, my old collections,

of flat, rectangular plastic containers,

containing music, of my selections. 

And a wave of nostalgia flowed, 

as I remembered childhood days,

of my exposure, to world's music,

through these mysterious, magic box. 

So, I played, to revisit those times,

some movie songs, or instrumentals,

there were also, a lot of blank cases,

that have lost, damaged or forgotten. 

And then, I found one buried beneath,

a pile of tapes, with content spilled,

intrigued, I brought a pen from behind,

stick into the spokes, to rewind... 

Clockwise, anticlockwise, I turned,

hoping to clear, this loopy mess,

soon I was rewarded, with better view,

I took and inserted, into cassette player. 

With a single press, it begins to play,

a croaky voice with static noise,

I got embarrassed, with my voice,

as I practiced, some old songs. 

I smiled, and I laughed, 

yet let out a slow sigh,

taking out this recorded cassette, 

poking inside, finger or pen... 

Rewinding days, from memory lane.

Learning to say no

It's not just a word,

but an underlying emotion,

that comes into our lips,

when faced with dilemmas. 

For, the world is demanding,

taking toll on mind & body,

sometimes becoming too much,

for an amiable person. 

And we cannot agree, 

to requests and the pleas,

being expected or be forced,  

disregarding our feelings... 

Without being left with a choice,

we finally give our thoughts...a voice,

manifesting our silent protests,

a strong "No", on our lips. 

But let's be mindful, of the tone,

it's not a wall, to shut them off,

conveying properly, without complaining, 

without showing malice, or being shunned. 

It's not easy, learning to say no...

Empowers us, giving us freedom,

deepening relations, with healthy discussions,

finding ways to reach, common conclusions.

Pardon my mistakes (Lexical verse)

Pardon my mistakes,

for, I might be unversed,

of speaking and mannerism,

been guilty of many solecisms...

For, it requires practice, & training,

helping us build, a connectome,

of words, phrases and sentences,

to be utilized, when needed most. 

Pardon my mistakes,

I sometimes fail to comprehend,

how the linguistics would have played,

using terms, it impresses or offends...

And it's becoming a recidivous thing,

even with my cautious conveying,

committing errors, again and again,

in my writings, stories and poems. 

Pardon my mistake,

since I am still a novice,

it takes time, to get the expertise, 

everyone starts, like plain Calico...

Yet we grow, as we learn,

if we strive, and we yearn,

be accomplished, reach the stage,

while we perform, our routine duties. 

Civilizations have evolved

Civilizations have evolved,

on the backs, of motivated citizens,

who had the drive, propel their state,

become the leaders, of our world.

Yet, those emotions have led,

in the creation of an institute,

that would provide the muscles,

to further their imperial ambitions. 

And I wonder... 

What was the need,

for states to build,

training & maintaining,

troops in the military.

For, we had the means,

to fulfill our basic needs,

and had materials to erect,

structures around the premises. 

Then I remembered,

we, human, were the biggest danger,

that would harm their fellow being,

in the absence of law & order.

So, it's started, as means to protect, 

but eventually the power corrupted,

we became greedy and arrogant,

losing our empathy & compassion. 

And we evolved, with better weapons,

at the cost of our fallen brethren,

seeking power, developing strategies, 

wars being fought with sophistication. 

Even the peace, were mere preparations, 

waiting for opportunities, to grab territories, 

for the resources, from riches to persons,

becoming a game of enforcing dominations. 

There's nothing called a pacifist nation,

living under the fear of an invasion,

for, every expenditure in the army,

is a forewarning, of conflict in future.

Yet, we have gone too far,

accepting it as present reality,

for, civilization have evolved...

From mankind's quest for power.

Population is expanding ( Bop poetry)

 Our population is expanding every day,

putting stress on the limited resources,

and basic needs, remain unattended,

of food, dwellings & entertainment, 

giving us purpose, and the motivation,

to keep us occupied, a life of fulfillment. 

But, the greed takes over the society,

leaders were corrupt & shortsighted,

never thought of the consequences, 

of mindless expansions, unplanned & unregulated...

For, wealth were amassed, by ones with excesses,

leaving behind nothing, others to rummage,

and cycle continued, through generations,

damaging very economy and ecosystems. 

Yet, the answers were always available, 

had we valued sacrifice and contentment, 

even policies would have been created,

for, there's enough room, for everyone,

if we discourage, the idea of expansions, 

by providing a level field, for all!!

Yeti, the cryptid creature

Urban legends...

Stories that intrigues,

shared in the folklore,

were tales, of unsolved mystery.

And, I too, became curious,

tried exploring the ideas,

of the secrets, hidden from world,

that show glimpses, to chosen ones. 

Yeti, a classic cryptid...

an enigma, that puzzled many,

Abominable snowman, these mythical beings,

inhabiting the snowclad Himalayan mountains. 

Described as bipedal ape-like creature,

that roams the Himalayan glaciers, 

spoken in lores, since ancient times,

from local guides to mountaineers. 

And I wondered, the reasons,

for prevalent beliefs, their origins,

were they real, or just an illusion,

bringing excitements, in their adventures.

They were intertwined, in local traditions,

seen as a warning, or part of devotions, 

encounters with wildlife, in harsh landscape, 

might have manifested, into the myth...

Of Yeti. 

Then again, there were sightings,

some consider it, as guardian spirits,

the proofs, might remain inconclusive, 

still, they inspire, every generation.

We finally meet...

We finally meet...

Don't you remember, 

how our life flourished,

under the roof together, 

sleeping in the same bed,

all the love and making out,

those kisses and cuddles,

holding hands, tight embrace,

that was a sudden change, 

from your shy demeanor.... 

For, it was our first night,

tired from the ceremonies, 

that were held to celebrate, 

our union, in official wedding,

wearing the heavy lehenga, 

and lots of gold jewelry, 

that we had chosen together,

accompanying the shopping,

with our respective parents,

buying rings, for our engagement... 

It was our mutual decision,

after much of the deliberation,

to actualize, years of our relation,

from friendship, to becoming lovers,

as we had known for long,

trusted our deepening bond,

from strangers to colleagues,

as I came, from a different town,

carrying my dreams and ambitions, 

that were part of my upbringing. 

Charaka Samhita

 "An ideal medical student,

should be of mild disposition, 

noble by nature, never mean in acts, 

free from pride, strong memory, liberal mind, devoted to truth, likes solitude, 

of thoughtful disposition, free from anger, 

of excellent character, compassionate, 

fond of study, devoted to theory & practice, 

who seeks the good of all creatures."

                                    --- Charaka Samhita. 

Written by persons or a lineage, 

it spoke philosophy, of medical education,

with diet, hygiene and their preventions,

while promoting a teamwork between, 

physicians, nurses, patients & medicine. 

And I wondered...

How would they react,

watching present day businesses, 

made out of our healthcare system. 

For, they were the wanderers,

ascetics, that visited the villages,

following strict codes of conduct,

while performing their duties. 

Devoting themselves for sole purpose, 

of researching, and providing services,

striving to care and heal ailments,

that afflicted the people, their patients. 

Then again, they would also see,

the lack of respect, and reciprocity, 

where advises were being questioned,

and people, doubt their generosity... 

Medical science, also have advanced,

that needs more, than natural products,

giving opportunities to open markets,

gathering profits, from the diseases. 

Still, they would find the joy,

of treatments, and their discoveries, 

but lament, the lost compliance, 

for healthier lifestyles...

To prevent the diseases!

Comic books

Comic books...

It has a special place,

carved within my heart,

when I try to remember,

my childhood days. 

For, they show me dreams,

giving wings to my imagination,

while imparting valuable lessons,

of ethics and morality. 

Yet, it's the story, that appealed,

flashy characters, interesting plots,

the exotic settings, still relatable,

ending with victories, good over evil. 

For, in colorful panels, stories unfolds,

transporting us into a dream world,

into a journey of action & adventures,

for unraveling secrets and surprises. 

Some went to libraries to read,

rent it from friends or bookstores,

others saved or gifted by parents,

on vacations or special occasions. 

I, too, had many precious memories, 

be it Indian or western mediums,

enjoying Nagraj and Dhruv stories,

or Superman, Batman & Spiderman. 

Haven't remembered much of stories, 

summer vacations were most busy,

be it Amar Chitra Katha, Champak or Twinkle,

even Chacha Choudhary, Pinki or Billoo. 

Together, they made childhood awesome,

even helped in stimulating creative mind, 

but, I do feel sad, for today's generations,

of missing the magic, wonders of comics.

Mahakumbh

Hordes of devotees swarming in,

hours and hours, they keep walking,

to reach their most revered place,

where goddess rivers confluence. 

Mahakumbh, a divine festival, 

being celebrated in sacred location,

a pilgrimage after a long wait,

beyond centuries or decades. 

So, crowds thronged the space,

braving struggles of distances, 

making resolves, for the trip,

to reach the banks, have holy dip. 

Amrit, the nectar of immortality,

from cosmic ocean's churning,

or a desire to clean our sins,

and liberate, from cycles of rebirth. 

These beliefs, making us move,

be it elderly people or the youths,

people across class and creeds,

joined together, for pious activities. 

And it's fascinating, even to observers,

getting influenced, by their enthusiasm, 

taking the cold bath, praying to deities,

asking for blessings, for self & surroundings! 

Mahakumbh, 

indeed a magical experience...

Duality of human spirits

Life, is not always a pleasant stay,

rather oscillates between extremes,

sometimes burns, being blazing hot,

or freeze up, becoming wintry cold.

It's not the season's change,

but display, our capricious heart,

showing a plethora of emotions,

influenced by our surroundings... 

It's the fire, that is invoked,

with the desires, that's soared,

from all the invading stimulants,

through various senses, we absorbed. 

So, our interests take root,

passionate, getting into groove,

burning brightly, spreading radiance, 

exhausting self, in the process. 

Some take the other route,

preferring to tread, at slower pace,

as a part of their inherent nature, 

or being weary, of chaotic rush.

It's the reality, dousing the flames,

making them sober, breaking illusions,

as they strive for a harmonious retreat,

still be alert, being engaged deeply. 

Human spirits...

It's a curious thing,

getting excited or dampened,

like changing weathers. 

And in its depths,

lies a path of duality,

walking on the tight ropes,

between inferno and permafrost...

Of our soul !