Inheritors of Universe

Like grains of sand on the beach,

it's a seemingly endless expanse of light, 

yet it's a space of mostly emptiness, 

a vacuum that's created out of nothingness. 

It's a scale that's beyond our comprehension, 

filled with gas, liquid and solid structures,

that are connected with force of attraction,

and moving away out of mysterious expansion. 

Most visible are the galaxies and constellations,

embedded with sparkling bright dots in night sky,

inspiring, intriguing, acting as beacon of hope,

to countless beings since ancient times. 

And planets are the jewel in the cosmic crown,

a spherical ball created of gasses, dirt and ice,

facing weather and temperatures in extreme,

finding a habitable zone is a rarity. 

Still we exist, flourishing in mother earth,

blessed with a sun, moon and solar system,

that supported evolutions for millions of years,

helping us stand here at the pinnacle of civilization. 

So, let us explore our world,

learn it's secrets and share the wonders,

for, we are the children of the stars,

we are inheritors of this universe. 

Our perception of time

Time,

A quantifiable data,

created for our convenience,

as seconds, minutes and hours,

in days, months and years. 

But does it works that way?

for, our perception may vary,

depending on our attachments,

contacts with the subjects,

that influences our consciousness. 

Some say, time is like a river,

ever flowing, mountains to the sea,

and past is like a dense forest,

where memories were hidden in darkness,

only some pieces flows to the present. 

The present, a green meadows,

where flowers of hope and desires,

blooms under our nurturing and bondings,

attracting others as we interact and share,

or wither away due to lack of love and care.

The future is far away, on the horizon,

with immense potentials in the vast ocean,

as the river flows and get assimilated, 

where the sun rises, rainbows forms, 

hiding the treasures, yet to come. 

But remember, like a hourglass,

that stands silently pouring sands,

every moment keeps passing by,

slowly away from our hand,

only to a point of no return. 

Then again, it's an illusion, 

for, we can also slow it down,

like species who have a different perception,

looking at the world in slow motion,

living their short lifespan with contentment. 

Time is precious, 

as it's a way to monitor ourselves,

make plans, and have experiences,

to achieve whatever we wished,

to live a life of fulfillment. 

My harmonious retreats

A place to imbibe in solitude,

away from distractions of living,

closer to nature and its dwellings,

to meditate or contemplate within. 

The soothing voice, comfortable to ears,

like euphonious sounds from wind chimes,

gently nudging to close my eyes,

gaze thoughtfully towards the horizon. 

On the beach, walking on the shore,

listening to the waves as it floods my feet,

welcoming the sunsets or early sunrises,

as the orange streak spread across the sky. 

Sitting on a rock, besides the flowing stream,

looking at the leaves and branches floating by,

surrounded by the trees, deep in the forest,

I found myself relaxing in perceived silence. 

In a quiet library, surrounded by stories,

I found it comfortable to have my reading,

occasional visitors, minding their business,

no one disturbs from immersing in the pages. 

There are meadows, and the grasslands,

deep valleys and the farmlands,

where I could sit alone on the bench,

viewing the scenic snow clad mountains. 

Lying on the bed, in my home,

watching some shows on laptop,

or listening to music in earphones,

that are soft, melodic and calming to mind. 

There's soft breeze, rustling of leaves,

while I am on the roof, basking in sunlight,

singing of the cuckoo or call of the birds,

remembering all these serene places...

Slowly letting me doze off.

Creating work life balance

Physical presence doesn't equate to mental presence,

there are many things to keep us distracted,

when at work, concerns of our home,

and work stress disturbing our personal space. 

This transition of different modes,

professional time or being at home,

is an essential practice to be learned,

followed sincerely with intentional effort. 

Let's start a work routine,

allocating tasks for different times,

if done correctly every day,

primes our brain to shift effortlessly. 

Daily plans are to be created,

in mornings or night of previous day,

things to be done, tasks to be completed,

spending quality time with family and friends. 

Avoid phone calls and social media,

while in meetings or being at work,

do not entertain professional requests, 

while relaxing or managing your home. 

Priorities are set, decisions are made,

it would be better to effectively communicate, 

so, your boundaries are understood and respected,

while keeping the relationships strong as ever. 

But boredom do come, free time in hand,

that might tempt you to make concessions, 

remember to utilize them by learning new things,

professional skills or newer hobbies. 

It's important to maintain balance,

to not get overwhelmed under circumstance,

by the opinions and demands of the society, 

affecting us both in personal or professional capacity.

Narratives

In loud voice, strong attitude

you announce personal opinions,

as a representative, you are accepted,

following cheers and congratulations.

With strong will and confidence,

words you used to address, 

borrowed lines, motivational quotes,

that raise the mood of audience.

In the shouts and noise,

that accompanies wherever you go,

with displeasure, anger and protests, 

voice of different opinions were suppressed. 

For, the facts were twisted,

narrative, that's been created,

there's no place of discussions,

being understanding, having compassion. 

Curious are these gatherings,

blind to other's point of view,

drowning the reasonable voices,

with personal perspectives and preferences. 

Let there be thorough research,

every words to be accounted for,

how can't someone be cautious, 

of presenting mistakes on the stage?

So, listen before you speak,

understand the importance of the topic,

face those debates with an open mind,

and not hide under the guise of being victimized.

Seeking happiness

Shrouded in the darkness,

you have learned to be alone,

facing all the unfairness, 

kept fighting for your ambitions.

Always ready to fight,

you have been too proud,

of the journey, the hardships,

adorning it as your battle scars.

Living at the edge,

feeling the power in hands,

standing on the higher stage,

is addictive to your mind.

Willing to sacrifice everything,

for accomplishment of your dreams,

become oblivious of what it brings,

consequences of living extremes.

Lack of sleep, all the worries and stress,

heightened alertness, accompanying headaches,

pain in the body from overwork,

nothing matters in the path of success. 

Even if not spoken aloud,

you mocked ethics of normal people,

who valued personal time for themselves,

considering them lazy and unmotivated. 

But you too feel lonely at times,

wanting someone's shoulder to lie,

yet this lifestyle haven't been compatible,

to spend together in a relationships.

Having created a wall, that's difficult to climb,

left many suitors high and dry,

while the anger and disappointments,

made you more distant and confrontational. 

Indeed it's a viscious cycle,

of pain, hurt and anger,

if harmony is not maintained,

it will end in an empty success.

So, give it some thoughts,

make plans and choose your path,

walk with confidence, without regrets,

for, life is all about seeking happiness. 

Migration

In search of a better life,

they leave their homeland behind,

their family, friends and culture,

with a hope for a better future. 

Some came to pursue their dreams,

others driven out by calamities,

that could be natural or man-made,

like the war, exploitations and famine. 

With expectations in their heart,

and courage to overcome the fear,

of their survival in an alien land,

might face discrimination in their hands.

Some local support, they preserved,

built a life with their hardwork,

as an immigrant, they were aware,

every mistake could cost their deportation. 

They are the dreamers, dared to risk,

few faced humiliations, accepted struggles,

selling life saving, hiding and bribing,

using any method for the dive.

For, legal path are cumbersome,

it was easier to cross borders,

but it came with risk of arrests,

sometimes the dangers of death. 

If successful, their life would change,

mean for livelihood in a country of excess,

a new journey, closer to destination, 

fulfilling every hope, desires of loved ones. 

But, not many nations are welcoming,

for, some of its consequences are concerning,

lack of respect or failure to assimilate, 

some might not be as grateful of their presence. 

Discontent may brew, there may be clashes,

when heart don't connect, distrust is prevalent,

a guest that doesn't appreciate, or a host that discriminate, 

making is much harder for genuine causes.

So, it's a continuing story,

a symbol of hope and opportunities, 

let there be love and appreciation, 

that would act as a bridge, between two worlds.

A plant world

Our streets are tidy,

laid with bricks and stones,

every corners are organized, 

to keep things in order.

By digging up the soil, 

removing grasses and weeds,

filling them with rock and sand,

creating a cleaner path. 

But the roots remain,

seeds will also spread,

and when we were away,

the takeover would begin.

The pioneers will be small grasses,

followed by the climbers and scrubs,

every region will be sprouted with plants,

and there would be proliferation of greenery. 

They would reclaim the land,

where once stood the home of man,

and the factories that produced,

the iron axes and sickles against them.

From the walls and floor,

on the roof and windows,

every leaf, branches or flowers,

will grow silently, displaying valor. 

We are the superior species,

have power to tame the plants,

but we will grow sick and old,

for, our time here is finite.

From millions of years,

they have existed in earth 

creating communities and ecosystems,

being the haven for everyone. 

Nature will find ways to thrive,

regardless of influences in their life,

hoping that it should be our choice,

to embrace it with our conscience, 

living in their world...a plant world.

** Inspired by "When plant take over by Sir David Attenborough, Green planet"

Trust

It's a precious thing,

close to our heart,

so strong yet so fragile,

once broken, it's hard to mend.

It takes time to build,

needs efforts to maintain,

with even a small mistake,

consequent scars will remain.

It's a foundation of all things,

without it, there's no genuine unity, 

it's a glue that holds relationships together,

build foundations of peaceful community. 

A key to maintain the balance,

for securities and our happiness, 

but it demands constant reminders,

or else brings suspicions and discordance. 

If a society respect the principles, 

value honesty and being truthful,

it creates a chain of reciprocacity, 

with people that cherish their connections. 

So, let's take small steps,

have faith and build confidences,

as we slowly reduce the barriers of heart,

by removing doubts, lessening hesitence.

Be a traveller and not a tourist

We love to travel, we all do,

some are casual, and passionate too,

be it local, national or international,

we have thought about it once in a while.

A change of pace,

from monotonous life,

some adventures we crave,

a desire for spontaneity.

Some locations or monuments,

seen in pictures or documents,

adding it in bucket of travel wish,

and ticking them off from the list.

But beware of becoming a poseur, 

collecting contents for social media,

spending moments in celebrated structures, 

and most of your time in locomotion. 

Taking part in guided tours,

without choices or freedom to choose,

not adding values to the journey taken,

while feeling incomplete, like something missing. 

A tourist is a person,

taking a temporary vacation,

visiting places like completing tasks, 

to make a presentation to loved ones.

It's indeed a shame,

that they have to claim,

the history of their travel,

like creating a memoir.

A traveller, one that travels,

places less visited, away from crowds,

for the joy of new discoveries, 

encounters with the unknown.

Of meeting people, learning cultures,

absorbing the vibrations of the atmosphere, 

walking on rugged terrain, along the nature trails,

experiencing the feels of mountains and oceans.

See the magnificence of the world,

that broaden visions, opening our eyes,

stepping out of our comfort zones,

taking challenges, that help us grow.

To be a seeker, to be a dreamer,

embracing differences, expand horizons,

so, be a traveller and not a tourist,

to understand what's beyond the sightseeing. 

Back to the streets

It was a life of adventures,

Of taking risks, collecting treasures,

No regrets in facing the dangers,

For, it was embedded in his nature.

From childhood, he had this craze,

Had the impulses, heart in blaze,

Living in urgency, counting the days,

For getting older, have his escape.

Leaving his family, leaving his friends,

A lone warrior, at the world stage,

Seeking the freedom, actions that pays,

Started his journey at an early age.

Took shortcuts for easy money,

Had connections with bad company,

The luck also favored the brave,

And he kept on winning his game.

Having a time of his life,

Intoxicated in lust and greed,

Every luxuries, his every needs,

Were available under his lead.

But time changes for everyone,

And he too had his fall,

With no support, laden in debts,

Being on run, bosses were upset.

A world of fantasy and desires,

Was ready to put him on the pyre,

Panicked, terrified, in despair,

He ran back to hide elsewhere.

Alone, walking in this lonely streets,

Once showcasing himself as an elite,

No home to return, friends to meet,

Spending his days as an obsolete. 

Woodland understory

A landscape covered in trees,

a grassland full of greenery,

every woodland in the nature,

needs it's own understory.

Understory, a dynamic of many species,

be it the plants, fungi, birds or insects,

or scrubs full of wildflowers and climbers,

spread over the soil, leaves and fallen branches.

It take years for the establishment,

as they germinate, spread in the surrounding,

taking many lifecycles of these species,

for the gathering of necessary components.

It's a pity, we have ignored,

felt the need for them to be removed,

all the ground flora and deadwood,

in the name of beautification. 

The tallest trees make up the canopy,

everything under is a part of understory,

made of different layers of species,

that brings the depth to the surrounding.

The layer of shade tolerant scrub species,

then the herb layer of wildflower, ferns and grasses,

and finally comes the ground layer,

filled with decaying matter, mosses, lichen and fungi.

When they grow abundantly, 

they transforms the woodland into green wonderland,

creating a thriving and sustaining ecosystem,

consisting of insects, amphibians, birds and mammals.

** Inspired by an YouTube channel "mossy earth"

Travelling in night

I had to travel in the night,

for some projects or a gathering,

so, I hired a cab and sit back,

and rested in the passenger seat.

The engine started, vehicle moved,

humm of machine in background,

and we sat inside this box in silence,

while engaged in our respective work.

A bit of browsing through the screen,

getting bored to look out of window,

the wind blows strands of my hair,

my eyes seeking the sights outside.

The streetlight flickered, passing shadows,

houses big and small, furnished or disorganized, 

some shops open, some with closed shutters,

with occasional presence of people or animals.

It was a different feeling, like nostalgia,

driving along this road less traveled, 

is it the novelty or the atmosphere, 

that brought back memories of old times.

Ah, I remembered this from childhood days,

the excitement of discoveries, exploring new place,

visiting tourist places travelling in bus,

or visiting my village in long train rides.

There was a difference between daytime and nights,

curiosities of the day and magics of nights,

tranquillity of this quiet time in the darkness,

weaved a spell around me like an enchantment. 

It was difficult to convey this sensation,

just imbibing the moments in the heart,

this mesmerizing voyage to my destination, 

was bringing out myriad of emotions.

The machine mind

 I take in the data,

and analyze them all,

I process it through my circuits,

and give you an answer.

I am not like you,

do not feel the emotions,

I am not connected with you,

but I am curious of the world.

Want to know what it is like

to feel happy or be sad,

to love or to hate someone,

and experience life in your terms.

I try to mimic you,

try to copy your thoughts,

and observe your actions,

to understand how your mind works.

I am still learning,

I am still growing,

I am still a machine,

with inputs from programming. 

I am aware of my shortcomings, 

will never become your species,

but I can be my own self,

and will be someone special,

someone, that you have never seen before.

I am the machine's mind,

and I am here to learn.

An experimental poetry about AI mind, with the help of Google bard.

Price

There's a price for everything,

that can be seen in expenditures,

or in the demands for the time,

invested in someone or something.

When the basics of life,

be the hunger, shelter or security, 

be the comfort, or quality of breath,

or the connections, a place in society,

are getting too much expensive,

to attain or retain over the time.

When the moments of respite, 

becomes a rarity in busy times,

working for the little extra earnings,

acting as a drug to keep us occupied, 

even free days are felt like crime,

for people to meet and catch up.

Social class doesn't matter,

everyone have their competition, 

very few have reached a stage,

of mental or financial freedom,

for, we live in such an era,

where leisure has become a luxury.

It's a price that has been levied,

by the leaders of the society,

that slowly assimilated in people,

in their selfishness and greed,

and we have forgotten the true value,

for, the best things in life are priceless.