Replaying moments

As I listened, to musical notes,

something touches, deep within,

like flashes, my past resurfaced,

bringing back forgotten memories... 

From whom's eyes,

I was looking...

Too familiar were the places,

the road taken, friends accompanying, 

as we trotted, for some reason.

So, where was I going again?

I couldn't even recall...

Instantly transporting,

to another place, another time,

before coming to any conclusions. 

Yet another phase, I started reliving,

having conversations or taking rides,

too abstract, everything came in a rush,

changing locations, and my emotions,

with every beat, and flow of the music.

The BGM strikes inner chords

made me hypnotized, flooding memories,

there's no reason, or explanation any, 

feeling the vibes, a bit of melancholy,

things I lost, in this journey...of life. 

Slowly, steadily, descending deeper,

each moment, were missing pieces,

treasured days, that lost its values,

in the changing tides, of our living,

with passing time, changing seasons...

And here I lie, closing my eyes,

listening to melodies, in a magical ambience,

falling deeper within, drifting into a trance,

a connection built, with my past,

reminding me, to keep in touch. 

And I comply, feel the vibrations,

replaying moments, of yesteryear...

Nostalgic days!!

Bird chirruping

As the dawn break, the world awakens,

to the chorus sung by feathered friends,

a melody of joy, their voice so sweet,

each chirrup enlivens, our morning greet. 

It's indeed a nature's blessing,

fortunate are the ones, hear them calling,

for the grubs, territories or their mates, 

but were soothing, to us audience. 

A symphony of nature's art, 

be it the whistles or a tweet,

every sound is a delightful tone,

spreading energy to a lazy morning. 

Waking up to this wonderful view,

they fill the sky with vibrant hues,

and we cherish these cheerful tunes,

as we rise up, starting our day anew. 

So, let us appreciate, with grateful ears,

when chirruping noise, banishes our fears,

nature's tiny blessing, that's freely given...

A gift of birdsongs, sent from heaven. 

And I wish...

We all wake up to their lovely voices.

A picnic

The weather is nice,

let's go for a picnic,

taking our car out,

early in the morning...

With friends and family,

in the outskirt of our city,

make plans, and itinerary, 

keep baskets and coolers ready. 

A blanket, is a must,

can't keep food, over the dirt,

even the charm of the ground,

is soiled, by wet & prickly grasses. 

Carrying games, ball or cards,

to have some fun together,

and bring out the inner child,

in those moments of playfulness. 

And don't forget to fill,

our basket to the brink,

some pre-cut fruits and veggies,

with wraps, rolls and sandwiches. 

When we are tired of running,

let's sit together for the lunching,

and you open the casseroles, 

bringing out mouth watering dishes.

Make pulav, and some gravy,

or a combination of sabji roti,

some salads and crunchy papad,

ending with a delicious dessert. 

It's a long-awaited picnic,

let's have some chat and fun,

open the cooler to share,

some cold drinks and ice-cream. 

Let the summer be mild,

still apply some sunscreen,

having bug spray can be handy,

yet never forget...a trash bag to carry,

Our wastage!

A celestial show

In the stillness of the night,

I watched the moonlight,

spreading its orangish hues,

in the canvas of velvet sky... 

And I witness the land transform,

as if showering under celestial dust,

and the ground begin to glow,

illuminated under the lunar shine. 

The woodland whispers into my ear,

with its swaying branches, and rustles,

the wind carries tender memories, 

caressing me with gentle breeze. 

The lake shimmers, with the reflection,

fireflies lighten up surrounding vegetation,

the air felt colder, yet the heart got warmer,

as the place shrouded by a misty cover. 

And I saw the magic begin,

as moonlight shines over me,

a path created from the sky,

and descended were mythical beings. 

The fairy came, twirling in glow,

creatures from fantasy did follow,

be it the unicorns, or the mermaids,

dancing in the rhythm of the melodies. 

Shadow silhouettes of a couple,

too joined for the celebration,

swinging and spinning, holding hands,

captivating me, putting into a trance. 

But that spectacle didn't last long,

as they return, after their glittery show,

floating towards the moon, as dawn arrives,

leaving me behind awestruck and mystified.

Where did it begin?

So, where did it begin?

Not only us, we are finite being,

but the things beyond ourselves,

yet so interlinked, deep within us...

Was it created by a big bang,

or a part of supreme consciousness, 

some do consider it an illusion,

like a mirage, a holographic projection. 

We have learned so much,

having technologies at our disposal, 

yet, the greatest of human brain,

we were perplexed by its existence. 

For, we are too miniscule an entity,

to comprehend the extent of its boundaries,

only making assumptions or theories,

changing them over newer discoveries. 

Universe... It's everything,

encompassing matter and energy,

all the dimensions that we perceive, 

everything that mankind conceived. 

Still, there are many unknowns,

being outside the ambit of natural laws,

likes of dark matter, and dark energy,

even the ill-defined quantum fields. 

And we seek refuge in spirituality,

hoping to find answers in philosophy,

as long as we could find reasons,

there's nothing wrong in exploring. 

But, they too talk in symbolism,

for us to believe without proving,

taking away burdens of our curiosities, 

by presenting it as grand design...of divinity. 

And I wondered, since my younger years,

when I watched in awe, starry night sky,

the constellations, & Milky Way galaxy,

inspiring me to explore various stories.

And sometimes, I was terrified of ideas,

the very enormity, of our universe

yet unaware of plank scale phenomena,

when I contemplated, my very existence. 

I concede

It's a lost cause...

Neither you were willing,

nor I decided to let go,

of things desired, beliefs of our life.

Our obligations and compulsions,

influences the decisions we take,

lead to clashes, of differing opinions, 

when facing a stubborn mind. 

It's no use...

To change your perspective,

all of my requests and pleas,

had fallen, into deaf ears...

for, our mask of empathy,

doesn't hide the indifference, 

caring for our self-interests,

disregarding other's concerns. 

I concede... 

You were a good person,

life had shown you many struggles,

you fought well, stood for your values,

waiting for a partner, your companion...

Not many achieve, what they aspired, 

when encountered, with different viewpoints,

still be hopeful, nurture optimism,

wishes will be heard, bringing joy soon... 

When you finally find someone,

accepting you in the entirety...

Of your nature.

Live frugally, but indulge fully

Our needs are much smaller,

than the living, that we aspire,

a lifestyle of extravaganza...

Portraying success in endeavors. 

When we have the means,

an unhindered freedom,

we indulge in pleasures,

without guilt or pressures. 

Yet, there are also the ones,

detached of desires, and emotions,

seeking the path of higher truth,

some, out of fear and compulsions.

And they renounce, materialistic need,

calling it distraction, swaying our will,

teaching us control and discipline,

ignoring our curiosities and impulses. 

And I wonder, as I ponder,

what's the reason, and our role,

being born, brought up in a world,

filled with stimuli, for our senses.

So I watched, the nature's flow,

how life flourish, in the wilderness,

for, they too are the divine creations,

giving us the clue, answers the question. 

Living days without any meal,

yet, indulged to their heart fill,

as long as it satiates their hunger,

let them live, a little longer.

So, I too embraced that policy,

choose to be simple, live frugally,

but open to life's experiences, 

once in a while, indulge fully...

To my heart content.

Beware of coming dangers

Our world is always in rush,

no moment to take a pause,

taking every morsel into our mouth,

without scrutinizing, source of origin. 

It's not like those golden days,

when produces were fresh, easily availed, 

for, people now, chose dishonest means,

to secure themselves, compound profits. 

We also face, a damaged environment, 

a product of unsustainable development, 

poisoned water, and polluted atmosphere, 

spreading tentacles, catching us unaware. 

And then, came the biggest danger,

of antibiotics, for our consumption,

from farm animals, or over the counter,

easily accessible, into our homes. 

Everything creates a vicious cycle,

a weakened body, and bad surroundings, 

making us susceptible to the onslaught,

falling victim to various ailments. 

Even the hospitals, aggravate the risk,

the more days, we spend being sick,

as commensals, develop the resistance,

ravage our body, from the inside. 

But, why do things, comes to this?

Is it ignorance, or our complacency...

When we indulge, without any care,

live a life, of greed and pleasures. 

The prevalent pollution, makes us weak,

resistant bacteria, infused in our food,

even antibiotics usage, kills gut flora,

with our lifestyle, add fuel to this fire. 

And I could witness is despair,

Only to give forewarning...

Beware of coming dangers!

Loneliness among elderly

Loneliness among elderly...

A prevalent concern,

as society is progressing,

towards an aging population. 

No support of joint family,

confined within the houses,

for, modernity has limited...

Both space and their mind. 

We all need a purpose,

to keep ourselves going,

life's struggles are enough,

to break a weakened body. 

So, they sought the refuge,

to keep themselves occupied, 

in spirituality or religious activities, 

or domestic concerns of families. 

Village life gave them respite,

too much of opportunities, 

tending to garden, or animals,

simple interactions with community. 

Cities have broken that bond,

everyone is on a rush,

living within the four walls,

sometimes alone, no one accompanies. 

Families become distant,

as the health deteriorates,

a once strong sense of life,

is lost, in the hurt of indifference. 

Devil's advocate

Let's start this curious game,

where we play devil's advocate,

like a make belief, as we pretend, 

in our discussions, or arguments,

going against the presiding opinions. 

For, it opens up the discussion,

explore ideas, which were forsaken,

might not be the popular opinion,

yet needing some pondering over,

to delve deeper into the subjects. 

It can also become a useful tool,

to discern the mentality of a person,

by poking and prodding certain conditions,

evoking reactions, revealing the perceptions, 

that defines their true character. 

From centuries, these were used,

be it humble locale or a nation,

where intellect is used to understand,

the extent of someone's intelligence,

for proper selections of leader. 

Devil's advocate...

It's something to be added,

in places of debate, between mindsets,

with enough preparation and confidence,

for having a rewarding event. 

Where wisdom and knowledge...

Were shared to the participants. 

Let's agree to disagree

Let's agree to disagree, my friend,

if we want to find a common ground,

it's not a competition or race to succeed, 

but to develop true understanding. 

There are nuances, to be followed,

not fell, for emotional outbursts,

rather take a methodical approach,

facts and reasons accompanying...

Our clash of opinions. 

We have to defend our positions,

being on the side, of right decisions,

yet, a lot are biases, our assumptions, 

evolved from our individual perceptions. 

And we fall victim to our pride,

getting territorial to self interests,

without giving space to other's views,

that might help, expanding our outlook. 

Discussions, are a wonderful space,

if we are willing, with a receptive mind,

curious of seeking other's perspectives, 

and hoping to share our discoveries. 

So, let's agree to disagree, my friend,

being open to suggestions & criticism,

having opportunities to learn new things,

in our quest for finding a conclusion. 

Inconvenient transportation

As I drive on my bike,

I get annoyed by larger vehicles,

blocking the path for us,

in traffic or narrow roads...

Yet, when I do take a cab,

I would be the one complaining,

about the prevailing traffic violations, 

by both bikes and heavy vehicles. 

When in the bus, I would lament,

condition of roads throughout the journey,

blaming cars, bikes and pedestrians,

of not clearing the space for us.

Even the public transports available,

from trains, airplanes and metros,

comes with their accompanied issues,

of reservations, crowds & desired stations. 

Modernity had brought many changes, 

transportation being an inevitable requirement,

for, we as human, have become slaves,

to our needs, and pleasures of travel.

But, it had also brought, newer torments,

affecting our mind, heart and physical body,

making me wonder, once in a while...

Is it mere inconvenience, of roads or vehicles,

or maybe something more, deeper and intangible? 

For, conveniences are subjective :)

Vested interests

World is filled with hypocrisy, 

expecting the best for themselves,

while propagating their lies,

to achieve success...by any means. 

Vested interests...

That makes the world go round,

with facade of pleasant personality,

hides their ulterior motives. 

Some might be harmless, 

while others, can be treacherous, 

but every one of these actions,

corrupted with impure intentions. 

Thus, it will never be secure,

like a pack of cards, it's ready to fall,

without the pillars of truth that sustains,

eventually be weakened, at the very foundation. 

For, true objectives were not shared,

being afraid, be taken advantage of...

Yet, pushing themselves, into similar cycles,

using dishonest means, furthering self-interests. 

Vested interests...

Can they even be avoided,

when human greed, is so prevalent?

If so, I would seek the way,

where honesty is rewarded with kindness,

as the society becomes virtuous,

allowing us to be open and sincere.

Sarcasm

Sarcasm...

Some of us do use,

as a mean of protest,

or convey deeper messages,

to make our point across. 

It's the verbal irony,

that shares our perspectives, 

sometimes with sweet words,

others, can become a bit snarky. 

Yet, in the world of psychology, 

it's considered an intelligent trait,

giving us the ability to appreciate,

other people's mental state. 

For, it's not easy to create,

requiring a larger vocabulary, 

and interpret various body languages,

with a healthy working memory. 

Even listening or reading the same,

expands our thought and imagination, 

helping us face difficult problems,

coming up with creative solutions. 

But, not all are adaptive to this skill,

requiring flexibility & control of emotions,

we can make or break any conversations,

needs certain tones and proper timings.

Sarcasm,

A way of venting frustration, 

but look deeper, and you will know, 

it's the higher form of intelligence... 

For, in the guise of a vice...

It's a serious brain workout. 

Don't take things into your heart

Don't take things into your heart,

even if you had a difficult past,

blaming others or getting anxious,

of things happened, unpleasant facts.

For, you have to live in present,

facing struggles and challenges,

don't burden it more, with worries,

from overthinking ancient stories. 

Don't take things into your heart,

it might break, your inner confidence,

making you vulnerable, to ongoing stress,

like a poison, aggravating your weaknesses. 

For, stress is a trigger, forming a crack,

to the homeostasis, of body and heart,

provoking illnesses to spread its tentacles,

pulling you away, from a better world. 

Don't take things into your heart,

when you failed or faced setbacks,

not let it deter your progression, 

towards your goal or aspirations. 

For, we have dreams to fulfill,

experiences that make us complete,

so, don't fret, develop a positive mindset,

follow a vision, becoming your best version. 

Don't take things into your heart, 

awaken your spirit, the inner hope,

rather than living in fear, of a recurrence, 

find ways to relax, rest and recuperate. 

For, feeling victimized, wouldn't change,

understand, accept and acknowledge, 

only then, you can make conscious efforts,

to take your present...to desired future.

Happy life

Happy life...

It's all we desire,

some are fortunate, 

to be blessed with it.

But there were a lot more,

not receiving the world's favor,

being on the sidelines, watching...

As their happiness keeps fading. 

Happy life...

We can't always be lucky,

the world doesn't do our bidding, 

there's negativity, lurking in the shadows.

And it brings painful emotions,

some may break, fall into depression, 

others become bitter, with a lot of anger,

blaming self and everyone else,

becoming blind, to the surroundings. 

Happy life...

We have to accept, 

the disappointments and failures, 

by embracing, our negative emotions.

And we will become anti-fragile,

riding on the waves of resilience, 

as we face the pressures of life,

getting bigger and stronger. 

Happy life...

Being too invested in its pursuit,

paradoxically make us less happy...

So, let us find happiness indirectly,

breaking it into smaller moments.

We can't gaze at the sun directly,

but can see it through the reflections,

so experts presented a SPIRE model,

to find our way to happiness. 

P.S.

SPIRE MODEL: 

Happy life...

Lies in Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, 

Relational and Emotional well-being...

By seeking meaning, a purpose in life (S),

being active, while avoiding stress (P),

to be curious, and engaging deeply (I)

spending quality time, with our family (R)

and finally...

Cultivating deep gratitude, towards life blessings. (E). 

So, be resilient, become anti-fragile,

to achieve the true, happy life.

Solo camping

Far away from the clamors,

there lies, my treasured solace...

Where nature is still untouched,

and I visit, for a change of pace. 

Carrying a camping bag,

I hike the jungle trails,

towards my favorite spot,

set camp, have my lonely rest.

A cool breeze brushes my cheeks,

as the sky rumbles, at a distant place,

moisture fills the atmosphere, 

warning an impeding downpour. 

So, I sprint, reaching tent site,

a flat grassland, buffered from wind,

holding my flashlight, as night descends,

wearing raincoat, set the camp tight.

And I assemble poles, letting it seed,

matching them on body and footprint,

attaching the tent body to the poles,

laying out the rain fly...on the top. 

Once everything set, I felt the relief, 

as raindrops falls, on my skin,

so I lie down, under tent's cover,

listening a lullaby of pitter-patter.

Moments passed, I slowly drifted,

in the nature's magical ambience,

coming to sense, as stomach growls,

taking out, my cooking utensils. 

Boiling water, making the tea,

to complement, my special Maggi,

a little opening, I welcomed the breeze,

yet, received dry leaves with the drizzle.

A whiff of fragrance, scent of damp earth, 

I was immersed in the wilderness perfume, 

as the wind whispers, through the silhouettes, 

of the rustling leaves, and swaying branches. 

Alone, yet strangely I felt connected,

with the soul of earth, and the universe, 

for, under the starry sky, I witnessed,

the wisdom of this hidden quest...

In my solo camping haven.

Numbers

This world is one...

One is our consciousness,

yet, projecting its essences,

through the principles of duality. 

And we follow, cycle of three,

within our mind, soul and body,

having four aims of our life,

Dharma Artha, Kama, Moksha. 

With the five senses, we perceive,

five elements of the universe,

learning six virtues, as we grow,

chasing away six impurities of mind. 

The seven days of the week,

filled with seven colors of rainbow,

welcoming prosperity from eight directions,

when followed up, with our devotion. 

Our heart experiences nine emotions,

when the nine planets oversees...

The gates of our true reality,

that houses, zero to infinity... 

For, we are bound to these patterns, 

that forms the basis of material world,

so, let us seek, and we will learn...

The magical entity... called numbers.

The elephants trails

On the dusty paths...

These gentle giants proudly walked,

following the ancestral memories,

etched deep within their heart. 

Giant feet, paced the land,

with a purpose, a rumbling caravan,

facing the harsh summer heat,

seeking relief, from their thirst. 

And they walked, on the dusty path,

towards those treasured routes,

for the river streams & vegetation, 

a sanctuary for their weary souls. 

Only to encounter, tall concrete walls,

deep pits & tunnels, blocking their route,

and they witness, steel & glass giants,

replacing thick jungles & vast grasslands. 

Bewildered, panicked, getting lost,

sometimes waylaid, to their demise,

from traps, tracks and firearms,

out of greed, or from despair. 

For, the time had changed,

bringing urban dwellings, with rapid progress, 

even their swaying trunks, or trumpet calls,

were getting ignored, falling to deaf ears. 

Once a mighty pathway, deep and wide, 

shrunken to shadows, they couldn't hide,

like a fractured labyrinth, breaking away, 

lost to an expanding greed, of humanity. 

And I rued, as I wondered...

Will future generations, ever comprehend,

their remnants whisper, and silent pleadings,

in those forgotten passages, 

faded from the nature's trail...

Where once elephants treaded?

The paired world

This world is a canvas,

painted in vibrant colors,

yet, as the brush spreads,

an invisible tread becomes apparent...

Beyond the vivid details,

there's something commonplace,

as the panorama displays,

the beauty, of its paired stage. 

For, the life constantly evolved,

to achieve this ideal state,

nothing exists being solitary,

every system prefers a support.

Something that completes them,

each having their important role,

like two wheels on a vehicle,

needed for a smoother journey. 

And they compliment, other's function, 

for maintaining harmony of universe, 

Yin & Yang, Feminine & Masculine,

depicting the different aspect of life.

And these elements are revered, 

they add value to our existence, 

a night would be followed by the day,

darkness too, accompanies the radiance. 

In pairs, we dance in cosmic symphony,

finding our joy, pleasure and happiness, 

it's our path towards spiritual connection,

by embracing divine design of elegance.

For, this world blooms, in the balance,

between mother nature & supreme consciousness, 

and we, are part of something grand...

Living a wonderful life, in this paired world.