Strangers in the party

In the gatherings, people assemble, 

creating groups, having discussions, 

yet, my heart felt, out of place...

Eyes searching, finding a corner.

Holding a glass, took occasional sips,

watching interactions, those lively scenes,

scanning the room, keeping me occupied,

and discovered an introvert, just like me. 

Sitting beside window, holding a cup,

he looked outside, at the traffic flow,

then he returned, back to celebrations, 

with random greetings, as per situations. 

And our gaze met, for some moments, 

we gave each other, meaningful glances,

for, we understood, the social obligations, 

while holding on, our personal space. 

No words transpired between us,

yet, thoughts shared, through gestures,

of our hearts whispers, that swayed,

feeling delighted, while getting drained.

For, these parties, are like enigma,

let us wonder, get overwhelmed, 

so, we recognized, a kindred spirit,

looking at the expressions, of others. 

Being invisible, in this crowded room, 

we may feel lost, waiting to escape,

but, a stranger, made us realize, 

there's still a place...for us!!

Jasmine flowers

In the sides of the walls,

there lies a divine scrub,

where star shaped flowers,

were spreading their fragrances...

A common sight in many households,

growing in clusters, fully laden,

every day, we pluck few blossoms,

from Chameli to sweet Tagar... 

Native to tropical, warm temperature, 

widely grown for ornamental value,

used as raw material for perfumes,

or making garlands, for offerings...

A gift from God, symbol of divine purity,

with a scent, that would charm many,

it's multiple petals, in white colors,

compliment its value, to us humans... 

Jasmine flower... 

From time immemorial, 

were part of society, 

much sought after,

for its significance...

So, let's take some moment,

adore these gentle florets, 

when we drink Jasmine tea,

or use their fragrant smells... 

As garlands for self,

and offerings, for the deity,

brought from the markets,

or freshly picked, from our surroundings...

In the wee hours

In the wee hours, 

I was wide awake,

" what's the time now...

I mumbled in sleepy daze.

The darkness surrounds,

difficult to ascertain space,

yet, mind was too troubled,

so, I rise, from my bed. 

Sitting cross-legged, I straighten,

my eyes focused, on window pane,

there's a stillness, with moment serene,

I felt an urge, to spread my awareness.

My senses heighten, eyes adapted, 

and light filtered, from closed drapes,

shadows formed, as room illuminates, 

I was surprised, to have an experience. 

And slowly, a soft glow seeps inside,

slowly intensifying, brightening surrounding, 

pushing back, the cloak of darkness, 

that enveloped, obscuring my eyes.

The rays blending with remain dimness, 

creating vivid colors, enchanting my mind,

and I witnessed, as magic unfolds,

as curtains radiate, with arrival of dawn!!

Recalling old songs

Decades long gone,

listening old songs,

recalling teenage years,

carefree days of fun...

Walking with friends,

cycling for the races,

playing cricket on fields,

or at home, watching MTVs. 

Now, decades later,

refreshing these moments, 

surfing through internet,

videos of forgotten songs...

And memories flood,

of old Stereo systems,

evolving with time,

from Walkman to MP3 players,

then iPod, captured our attention. 

All the movie songs or indipops,

English bands and instrumentals, 

hours were spent in selecting,

arranging cassettes to making playlist...

Then PCs, took their place,

Winamp to Window media players,

we were immersed, forgetting the world,

equipped with a pair of headphones. 

So, let me refresh, those memories, 

watching videos, from forgotten era,

each notes, signifying an emotion,

containing flavors, of youthful years...

Summer burns

It's that time of year,

when the sun rays hit 

directly on the hemisphere, 

causing intense heating,

and higher temperatures.

Summer burns...

It feels so hot,

like walking on scorching earth,

while air feels thick and heavy,

as weather becomes oppressive, 

to the life below.

Longer days increase pressures,

heating up by absorbing radiations,

as sun rises, reaching the peaks,

warming up the atmosphere,

without any scattering.

Us, humans, searching for shades,

many among bear the consequence,

from heat cramps to heat exhaustion, 

heat strokes become medical emergency,

due to high body temperatures.

The nature could provide respite, 

yet, we stole water, destroy greeneries, 

incidences of forest fire were common,

animals dying from dehydration,

putting stress on their bodies.

Summer burns...

We have known,

it's our duty to provide assistance,

by supplying water to the vulnerable,

let them withstand these onslaughts,

till the clouds returns. 

I don't need directions

I don't need directions, 

in this journey, I embarked,

for, things only becomes clear,

when I tread, on uncharted paths. 

My legs don't get tired,

walking on these avenues,

always finding something new,

passing through the streets. 

The highways, open and wide,

let me feel, the thrills of drive,

so, I don't restrict, to destinations,

with my vehicle, savor these rides. 

Dormant signs...lost in time,

So, my heart, be the guide,

I am just a wanderer soul,

my mental map, let me decide. 

It's a game of chances, 

someday I win, sometimes lost,

each experience, valuable lessons,

exploring, & finding treasured moments. 

So, let's not get confined,

look beyond names on sign,

every place, have special vibes,

let us visit, imbibing the atmosphere... 

For, a memorable life...

Holding my hands

Holding my hands, you led,

shown me the world's shades,

following your calls and eyes,

I learned to speak and smile.

Wiping my tears, when I'm hurt,

soothing voice, ease my heart,

I peacefully slept, listening lullabies,

as you gently rocked the cradle.

Years passed, I did grow,

but always be, a child for you,

having me embrace, in your arms,

sweetly calling, my nickname.

For, you have also shown,

taught me various lessons, 

supporting me, in ups and downs,

even pampering me, throughout life.

Dear mother...

I might not be best,

given you worry & distress,

still I cherish, these memories, 

grateful for every blessing. 

For, you are the vessel of divinity,

protecting me, in life's journey, 

building foundations, for me to stand,

giving me courage, to soar the sky.

Happy Mother's Day!

Like a flowing stream

Like a flowing stream,

coursing into my dreams,

surging on or slowing down, 

yet, cascading towards me.... 

Your voice, like a nightingale, 

is cheering this lonely soul,

singing gentle & sweet songs,

to calm my aching heart... 

Your eyes, a hypnotizing view,

welcoming me to dive deeper,

exploring the depth of emotions, 

without any fear or pretence... 

Your arms, with a warm embrace,

make me lose any wariness,

being vulnerable to this closeness,

as you envelop me with affection... 

And, like a flowing stream,

your love keeps pouring in,

circulating inside my body,

taking over my mind... 

As your thoughts...

Keeps me awake!

Equality is a myth

Equality is a myth,

for, our wants are not equal,

our acts, were not equal, 

and rewards, are not equal... 

Don't get me wrong,

necessities are universal, 

have to mitigate deficiencies, 

for a flourishing nation... 

Yet, we force ideals,

that aren't even rational,

robbing from one's hand, 

to bestow, it to others... 

And we don't supervise, 

letting corruption, greed to rise,

things started out of goodwill,

becomes a path of exploitation... 

For, equality is a myth,

society always find ways,

through our own actions,

creating newer class divisions... 

So, be fair and neutral,

give equal opportunities to all,

appreciate the growth of one’s,

truly putting their efforts.

Be accountable

Be accountable,

people have trusted you,

it's lives of the masses,

that are put on lines,

facing brunt, of your actions.

Be accountable,

not fall victim to pride,

ignoring the warnings,

while emotions are high,

blinding you from realities. 

Be accountable,

understand your position,

navigate through challenges, 

and take enough precautions, 

before deliberating decisions.

Be accountable,

when facing conflicts,

calibrate your options, 

and defuse the tensions,

stopping any escalations.

Be accountable,

it's your duty to fight,

when the cause is genuine,

but be ready, pay the price,

for any misadventures. 

So, ask your heart,

where things went wrong,

and bear consequences, 

when you discover faults...

Be accountable!

* No one wants war, only common man suffers. Hope Pakistan understands the gravity of these situations. 

Victim mindset

Wrapped in the cloak of victimhood,

we shroud the strength of our soul,

with self-pity as constant companion,

we lose the chance, attain larger roles... 

Letting precious moments slip by,

as wounded ego, blurred our eyes,

a toxic blend of pride, greed & envy,

cast shadows, over our fragile bonds... 

And slowly, poison seeps in mind,

relationships wither, as love dies,

afflicted by the curse, of self-absorption,

like a prisoner, we are trapped inside... 

And we treat others, with disdain,

depriving them of recognition,

of appreciating role and contributions, 

while highlighting our dire conditions. 

So, let's break free, of this threat,

or lose ourselves, leaving only regrets,

by opening our heart, to compassion,

guided by empathy and kindness... 

And find true happiness....

Away from victim mindset!

Invisible connections

These are like strings,

tied down the generations, 

a bond of love, or blood,

that keep us calling...

We might seek liberties, 

reach the peak of possibilities, 

yet, there's no coherence or synergy, 

unless we are in proximity...

Of our roots. 

In our thoughts, they prosper,

all the feelings, that we foster,

in fond memories of families,

left behind, in our journey...

And we gravitate, towards history, 

even if we're not affected directly, 

exploring links, with ancestral lands,

seeking answers, to our identities. 

For, the world, is a vast place,

each person, had their perspectives, 

still, they unite, for a common goal,

our attachments, playing its role...

So, let's celebrate, these invisible threads,

connecting hearts, feelings that spread,

influencing our actions, providing direction,

building life, from the very foundations.

The pendulum clock

With weight and chains,

the pendulum swayed,

keeping time in motion.

As its three hands moved,

in seconds, minutes & hours,

chiming melodies, in the intervals. 

It was a beautiful scene, 

but now, wistful memories, 

hidden away, in the store.

For, the pendulum stopped,

as the parts were locked,

and its functions, not needed. 

Yet, the life, never paused,

rushing into future stage,

leaving the past behind.

Still, the moments froze,

for that pendulum clock,

the day, it stopped working... 

As its masters got old,

and children, leave the roost, 

so, house became dilapidated.

But, within its wooden box,

stored away in vacant room,

the clock, was still lively... 

Sleeping peacefully, having blissful dreams,

of its masters gathering, to hear the chime,

in the rhythm, of pendulum swings!!

An empty chair

An empty chair,

recently vacated,

felt much welcoming,

to a visiting person... 

With a sense of familiarity, 

that's difficult to ascertain, 

from residual heat emitted,

by the previous occupier. 

In the outline, on the surface,

things we feel, with our epidermis,

acting as a reminder, of the time,

the seat was thriving, was alive. 

Was abandoned, being left aside,

still carried memories, of their life,

as it awaits, to serve new master,

and release energy, that it absorbed. 

The stories it contained,

being an empty chair,

conveyed through our senses,

in momentary releases...

Of lingering warmth.

Hygiene

It doesn't take much,

to maintain the hygiene,

incorporating its values,

in our daily routines...

And the advantages are huge,

not just prevent the infections,

or become visually appealing,

for the guests or visitors. 

It's not just inside our home,

where parents instill good habits,

or the practices of hospitals,

where they regularly enforced...

But infused in our culture,

street foods to social circles,

from hand hygiene to cough etiquette,

to proper washing of the utensils. 

For, these were the places,

most diseases would spread,

and we would be caught unaware,

with minor ailments to serious illnesses. 

Let us promote cleanliness,

practice it with serious commitment, 

as a duty to self and the society,

we would maintain hygiene.

Happy World Hand Hygiene Day  🙌

Game of real estate

It's a continuing game,

of supplies, on the demands,

adding values, to the commodities, 

making people rich, and wealthy.

The ones, who learned the tricks,

would understand, rules of play,

where anything could be tried, 

to increase their profit margin. 

And so begin, the inevitable chase,

gathering, as much of the benefits, 

creating newer modus operandi, 

from consumables, to real estate.

For, the growth is then measured,

in the numbers, and percentages,

adding into the rising inflation,

while keeping essentials, out of the ambit. 

So it creates, a dangerous situation,

where the society sinks downwards,

as the values, shifted to materialistic, 

compromising qualities, for profits.

And it all comes down, to the lands,

that's limited, by space and location,

acting as a golden goose on lease,

shared by individuals, and governments. 

Thus arrived, this era of real estate, 

a balloon, that's blown too fast,

influencing our living conditions, 

in business policies, of the traders.

For, people have lost the zeal,

to spend on various amenities, 

and the merchants, find it difficult, 

with high prices, buying or renting. 

So, many business, closed shutters,

others too costly, difficult to run,

becoming shallow, with transactions, 

affecting service quality, & the trusts.

The only ones, that have survived, 

will celebrate, with a broad smile,

as they keep standing, on the sides,

owning, or leasing these properties.

Price we pay

No amount of money,

can buy a peace of mind,

without a healthy body,

that supports our living. 

Our needs are simple,

good food, clean water,

and a roof over our head,

providing a secure environment. 

Yet, we demand more things,

from power, to better lifestyle...

Nothing wrong in having ambitions,

unless, in exchange for body’s necessities. 

It might not be our own,

even about present generations,

but, we would be inviting harm,

will be faced, in the long term. 

For, nature is never forgiving,

if we don't value its blessings,

as elixirs soon becomes poison,

be it polluted air or tainted waters. 

When various ailments affect us,

even food and water were unavailable, 

living becomes costly, & unaffordable, 

would we still hold on, to riches made... 

By selling our conscience?

Our eyes met, briefly...

Our eyes met, briefly...

And thoughts flooded inside,

in the rush of the crowd,

our moments, came to a standstill... 

You were a stranger,

never met once in my life,

then, why do it felt nostalgic,

like someone known, in disguise... 

And I, was not the only one,

your gaze, exudes similar emotions,

conveying deeper feelings, 

through soulful expressions... 

Had the urge, to speak up,

but uncertainties developed,

and we explored, with our thoughts, 

a mental connection was formed... 

Telepathy, does sound absurd,

but it was our silent communication, 

where we shared our life stories, 

the reasons, of our journey... 

But then, the noise returns,

snapping back, to real world, 

with the sirens, of incoming train, 

we stood up, for our departures... 

Never to meet again.

Captive in a sandstorm

Feeling dry, hot winds,

as if, walking on the pyre,

with nothing but silence,

is what I encountered...

A tempest of grains,

like facing desert’s ire,

no horizon at sight,

rather these endless dunes. 

It's an unending journey,

every step feels so heavy,

as gritty winds assail me,

grazing through soft skin.

My lips dry and crack,

and throat, getting parched,

even the water I carried,

have reached to final drops. 

There's no escape,

facing these ordeals,

with a fading hope,

arrives endless fear.

What am I, if not a prisoner,

held captive, in a sandstorm,

yearning for the refuge, an oasis,

yet finding nothing but barren fields...

Resonance of our hearts

It's not easy to convey,

what we intended to say,

but it's important to know,

that we all have our flow...

And, it influences decisions,

of making deeper connections,

when we do find a resonance,

that matches, our vibrations. 

It gets attached, like a string,

when our frequencies align,

acting as a cosmic sign,

letting our hearts, intertwine...

And, we would be drawn,

like the pull, of magnetic poles,

when our energies harmonize,

calming us, with soulful chime. 

Resonance... 

It's what we seek,

in interactions, and meetings,

for things that complements,

our interests, way of living.

Yet, realities, can be harsh,

throwing us in uncharted paths,

where success of our relationship,

were plagued by uncertainties. 

Still, don't take actions in distress,

we have to be primed, be prudent,

when we choose, the special ones,

who would accompany our journey...

So, let us understand the values,

that would enhance the balance, 

elevating spirits, nourishing affections,

as our heart sings, in resonance.