Had I lived another life

Had I lived another life,

different direction, another time,

easy subjects or difficult choices,

further away, from present vocations? 

For, each path, has its tasks,

variable returns, from investments,

having encounters, influencing decisions, 

changing our perception on lifestyles. 

The nature of success would change,

so are the celebrations and regrets,

for, the circumstances dictate,

the pace of our footsteps. 

And I look back, to formative years,

with options many, still being unsure,

finding the appeal, trying new things,

forming connections with kindred spirits. 

And I wondered if things would change,

had I embarked, on separate journey,

having exposures, and experiences,

the hardships, forging a new being... 

Would that still be, present me?

Life throws challenges

The life throws many challenges, 

some have solutions, other damages, 

testing the threshold of our patience,

will we falter or find our successes... 

Don't rush or become distressed, 

you can still make progress, 

when you believe, not protest,

savoring journey, without contest. 

For, you will be in a mess,

letting emotion possess,

losing cool, making complaints, 

without steps, towards improvement. 

It won't make you any less,

if you accept the problems,

taking things in your stride,

nurturing peace and harmony. 

And it affects your surrounding,

people appreciate such gestures,

and you will find many admirers,

impressed by conduct & character... 

Reducing the strains on the hearts...

Regardless of the challenges!

To make plans or be spontaneous

We prefer to have a plan,

to lessen the work & concerns,

being prepared the itineraries,

for a hassle-free journey. 

Yet, there's some, try things offhand,

without considering the outcome,

following impulses for their heart,

making decisions, without any thoughts. 

And I wonder... 

What's path provides best experiences,

feeling at ease, or having surprises,

with chance encounters, lasting memories,

leaving behind a strong impression. 

For, when we do our research,

becoming familiar with the location,

we might have the easier access,

but it may lack, the desired stimulus. 

Not many venture uncharted territories,

fearing disappointments or ordeals,

there's risk of conflict & confrontations,

apart from facing higher expenditures. 

Yet, there are many brave explorers,

carving out path for future voyagers,

setting examples, with courage & optimism,

that, each path have unique advantages!

Invisible guy

So I wonder, one fine day,

how its like, be an invisible guy,

walking alone and unrestricted,

being free to travel, without care. 

There's no need for Identity cards,

needing any passport or visa,

to cross borders, visit places,

without checking, or obstructions. 

The whole world opens up,

and currencies become irrelevant,

when I would use transport methods,

utilize the spaces, of empty homes. 

I would do some stealing,

unless I find my nourishments,

but there are ways to pay in labor,

and I will learn, by helping others. 

The possibilities are endless,

by becoming an invisible man,

yet, there are also concerns,

of taking undue advantages... 

Falling victim to impulses!

Not all are experts

Not all are experts,

to handle various situations, 

only few excels in endeavors, 

and win, battle for positions... 

They were not special, 

different from common beings,

but harvest power of mindset,

manifesting their will. 

It's a matter of interest, 

of the choices, one makes,

finding pleasure, in the process,

demonstrating their proficiency. 

And we admire, realize the power,

wishing to acquire, their creative flair,

yet, without vision, being unaware,

of the sacrifices, and the dares. 

For, it takes years of discipline, 

focusing self on respective fields, 

fighting inner fears, and uncertainties, 

to grasp the concept, develop qualities. 

So, all are not experts,

only few could reach the point,

to finally stand on the stage,

which we dream to attain...

It's all about harmony

It's all about harmony, 

between body and surroundings,

allowing interactions to happen,

in a controlled environment. 

Our body has mechanisms,

for recovering lost things,

given enough space & time,

utilizing resources inside. 

Most of us suffer,

when we cause imbalance,

ignoring natural processes, 

for our pride and pleasures. 

The ancients knew the signs,

following preventive lifestyles,

combating serious diseases,

with traditional practice. 

For, there's no quick fixes,

and actions have consequences,

which could never be suppressed,

with the power, of finances. 

We gained knowledge, have advancements, 

yet, it made us adamant, and complacent,

and we satisfy desires, ignoring advices, 

breaking the balance, of inner homeostasis!

Happy Deepawali

The festival of light,

we celebrate with families, 

honoring victory of righteousness, 

over falsehoods and wrongdoings. 

We take inspirations from history, 

dedicated to visions & sacrifice,

welcome with grand homecoming, 

showing our joy and delights. 

It may vary, depending on regions, 

still are part, of dharmic traditions, 

where we invoke deities, or occasions,

legacies of which, cherished in person.

Being presented, in grand displays,

or participated alone, in humble stays,

when home were illuminated by glow,

Candles, LED bulbs, lamps of clay.

Happy Deepawali...

Of the rangoli, decorated on entrance, 

windows & doors, adorns rows of diyas, 

with fragrance and smoke of lit incense,

and sounds of chants, permeating in air.

The atmosphere charged with laughters,

sweets and feasts fills dining tables,

as young and old gather outside,

lighting crackers and sparkles together. 

Her words still echoes...

Her words still echos...

Etched in my heart forever,

each letter dipped in emotions,

delicately written on the pages,

conveying feelings of her love.

And I clutched, the paper light,

yet, too heavy, for my sight,

eyes moisten, regrets were born,

being oblivious, of the signs. 

The sky deepens, with dark clouds,

battering me with sudden downpour,

drop by drop, falling on the pages,

blurring lines, dissolving sentences.

It's the rains, I tried to convince, 

avoiding the tears, spilling on it,

still recovering, from the shock,

a sudden departure, of her soul. 

Her words still echos...

Even if letter disintegrates,

facing these trials of life,

snatching away her presence.

I will still carry her memories, 

nurturing the tender sentiments,

sending prayers, with my apology, 

and a confession, that I missed dearly!

Happy Dhanteras

An auspicious day,

which we celebrate, 

but most are unaware, 

of deeper message.

Dhanteras...

We pray to lord Dhanvantari,

our prime deity for Ayurveda,

emerged during Samudra Manthana,

holding the kalash (pot) of Amrita. 

(Nectar of immortality)

For, he is the divine physician, 

imparting knowledge of medicine, 

leading us to path of longevity, 

through science of healthy living.

We worship Goddess Lakshmi, 

seek blessings of lord Kubera,

buying gold, silver ornaments, 

while cleaning and decorating homes.

Each custom, embedded in our traditions, 

provided us insights, for better conditions, 

through the renewal of our efforts,

we come closer to ideal lifestyles. 

Dhanteras...

It's the festival to promote health,

for, health is our foremost wealth, 

when blessed with such fortunes,

we could grasp the teachings,

Of Dhanvantari...

A fat rat

A fat rat was running amok,

in the house, creating havoc,

gnawing on wires, wooden shelves,

while tearing, bags and clothes.

Giving owners, sleepless nights, 

with squeaking, & chattering noise,

scaring them with rattle & clatters,

causing distress, that needed a break. 

Being kind, they don’t want to kill, 

yet the problem, required solution,

so they brought, a trapping cage,

to catch the mischievous pest.

Using fresh bread, as the bait,

plan was made, stage been set,

keeping in corners, near its reach,

they awaited, with bated breath. 

A fat rat was tempted enough,

capturing it inside, as it devours, 

startled by the sudden blockade, 

it screams, trying to escape.

The owners smiled, celebrating success, 

took a closer look, of this unruly creature,

as it scurries, making hissing noise,

shaking violently, showing its protest. 

The fat rat was taken, too far a place, 

letting it outside, opening the gates,

it hurriedly dashes, towards the hedge,

as owner breathed, a sigh of relief.

And they went home, ready to call night,

discussing fate, of this wicked tribe,

their heart sank, hearing ruckus outside...

Suspecting the return, of its kinds!

It's not an excuse

It's not an excuse,

or I, think of a ruse,

to have me refuse,

your invitation... 

For, I do care,

of moments, we would share,

if we proceed, with our meet,

planning future together. 

It's not an excuse,

when I, give my views,

of not giving proper dues,

to our relation... 

For, I understand, 

You have your demands,

still, we could withstand, 

Test of the time. 

It's not an excuse,

of giving you clues,

to have you choose,

these uncertain paths... 

For, I would strive,

together, we could drive,

this journey of our lives,

promising each other... 

Commitments for a lifetime!

Doomsday clock

It started as a humble clock,

hands for hours, minutes & seconds,

showing time to visiting flocks,

for them to continue the routine.

Yet, the flow suddenly stopped,

it was day, when tragedy struck,

as fire rained, from sky above,

bringing destruction, on the ground. 

Now forgotten, in the broken house,

it lays witness, to this deserted town,

with surroundings of terrifying stillness, 

and enveloped in complete darkness.

For, here no whispers could be heard, 

air being frigid, devoid of moisture,

a world in stasis, without vital signals,

like some exhibits, placed in a museum. 

Showing glimpses of letters & signs, 

when occasional thunder would strike,

clock without hand, only numbers fine,

for doomsday world, frozen in time!

The wall listens

Be careful of what you say,

someone might be listening today, 

learning about secrets and fears,

for, even walls have ears...

They laughed, playfully teased,

sharing their private moments,

oblivious of the statement realized,

when the wall acquired awareness. 

It was built in old times,

been sturdy, seen through lives,

the struggles and pain of masters,

yet, courage and forged convictions. 

They prayed to God, holding hands,

dreaming of future, for their child,

celebrating little moments together,

step by step, climbing ladder of life. 

It had seen the giggles & mischiefs, 

of the scribbles, on its surface,

getting scolded, crying out loud,

while mother washes stains found.

There are also wonderful times,

relatives gathered, praises successes,

hearing the gossips, rumors spread,

in their interactions, conspiracies played. 

Years were spent, seasons changed,

facing adversities, hearing laments,

welcoming members, some partings,

it remained the silent witness.

Then arrived newer generations,

whispering lies, bold proclamations, 

indulge in pleasures, fleeting distractions,

some were stranded, mental confinement. 

And the wall, attended them all,

hoping to provide, needed support,

letting the conversations flow,

keeping them alive, in its memories,

Even if people will go...

Just blend in!

If your heart is at right place,

and the surroundings is warm,

there's no need to separate...

Just blend in! 

If going gets tough, 

there's no escape plan,

don't fight the flow...

Just blend in! 

If you are immature, 

do take time to learn,

and gain the experience...

Just blend in! 

If your dreams are distant,

still away from your grab,

and the path seems long...

Just blend in! 

If you ever reach an impasse,

thoughts unsure, without directions,

then, enjoy moments, as you live...

Just blend in! 

The world is full of mystery,

you don't need to fight everything,

navigate challenges, with a smile...

Just blend in!

There's a story conveyed

 There's a story conveyed, 

etched in the picture frame,

where souls created memories, 

in the snapshots of moments. 

Listen closely, assessing the image,

look beyond the colorful displays, 

each smile, gestures that's made,

weaves tales, even in the stillness. 

Somewhere we see nervous gaze,

others mischievous, ready to break,

yet the thoughtful acts of elders,

organize them all in single place. 

The forest sings, sun does blaze,

lakes shimmers, in morning haze,

crowds frozen, filling backgrounds, 

as the photo presents a lively stage. 

Still, her eyes catches our attentions, 

pulling us near, with an invisible force, 

encouraging us to accompany her,

and enjoy this adventure together. 

So, there's a story conveyed,

the whispers reach, our mental space,

and heart is escorted to their journey,

through the portals, of picture frame!

Guidance

Seek the counsel, when unsure,

don't stop striving, out of fear,

without the wisdom, of the peers,

an arduous path awaits for you... 

Guidance... 

It gives us insights,

opening path, for a better life,

diversifying options, enhancing potentials,

when we take suggestions and advice. 

From childhood, we have learned,

from our parents and education,

with digital techs, bringing information, 

letting us explore, widen our visions. 

Yet, our heart does swing,

to various features & disciplines,

these choices, could be confusing,

being wary, of taking chances. 

So, we would need clarity, 

taking cues, from wiser entities, 

providing directions, clearing obstructions, 

helping us reach, our destinations.

The mysterious suitcase

A train station old, 

decrepit and run-down,

few would visit,

these deserted grounds,

Yet, here in cloak room, 

lies a suitcase brand new,

no one know it's origin,

and how it had arrived. 

It was placed before dawn,

after the last train was gone,

when the staff discovered, 

surprise appearance of luggage. 

The station master announced,

checked for address, but not found,

instructed attendees to break keys,

after being left for weeks. 

With a long struggle, they unlocked,

surprised to see unaccounted cash,

with letters and photos in envelopes, 

addressed to the train station. 

"This was my favorite place to visit,

when I was young, an innocent kid,

it pain my heart now, when I see,

the fall of once beautiful scenery." 

The station master was puzzled,

opened the photos from the envelope,

each carry old pictures of the site,

with various shops, bench and trees.

"The money here, my humble offering,

kindly repair and restore the settings, 

so, the townsfolk could also revisit,

the memories attached with it." 

The mystery was solved,

yet, the owner inscrutable,

but everyone is pleased,

caring for their treasured station...

With renewed spirits! 

Remembrance

It doesn't need ceremonies,

to keep someone in memories, 

yet, we devote certain days,

for honoring their presence...

A legacy, to be treasured. 

Remembrance... 

Enshrined in our hearts,

were the lesson, they impart,

through words or their actions,

inspiring many, across generations. 

Be it an individual, or the states,

we assigned days, to celebrate,

to refresh our mind, and spread,

messages, others might forget. 

And, we invoke, their name,

call the people, to relive moments, 

recognize the role, and appreciate,

follow examples, they have set. 

Remembrance... 

It's an act of giving respect,

connecting to values, they presented,

or just taking moments to reflect,

as we remember, their essence!

 

With no motivation

Mind want to rest,

yet heart, seeks a quest,

in the humdrum of life,

there's not much content... 

When nothing changes,

or inspiration comes our way,

becoming apathetic to invest,

putting efforts, take mental stress. 

Curious are we beings,

being influenced by other's work,

and our own commitments, 

to sustain creative endeavors. 

For, we seldom have epiphanies, 

deep awareness of life's journey, 

mostly we swim, on the surface,

struggling to stay afloat. 

Yet, we strive, to make it click, 

hoping our will, won't go weak,

falling to distractions, & obligations, 

losing the passion or our will. 

For, it blanks brain, obscuring sights,

making hands to shake, with fright,

as we try, to keep drive alive...

With no motivation!

Dear Lakshmi

Not a scar, but mark of ancestors, 

etched in her arms, with dimensions,

piqued interests of suspicious kinds,

so she hides, from the snooping eyes.

Dear Lakshmi, you are special one,

our only hope to reach destination, 

which had remain, an elusive goal,

that we sought, across generations. 

She was loved, cherished for long,

yet, given the task, walk on embers,

for, her blood carries the memories, 

that will bring, both despair & glory. 

Dear Lakshmi, learn the techniques, 

coming handy, at the time of need,

giving protection from potential dangers,

and insights, to overcome challenges. 

Whenever she felt distraught from failures, 

she touched veins formed over her skin,

feeling the outlines, created mental image,

giving her motivation, to renew efforts. 

Dear Lakshmi, path you have undertaken, 

filled with uncertainties, but never falter,

you will find help from unlikely corners, 

universe has chosen, you as successor. 

So she walks, for the dream she had,

a divine purpose, followed with passion,

traversing continents, oceans and grounds, 

finally discovered, the gate to unknown... 

Dear Lakshmi, you are our savior,

now the souls of ancestors rest,

you have made us happy & proud,

when your feet, walked on blessed earth!

What the clockmaker knew

Once prominent, an important site,

now forgotten, having lost its light,

as travelers said in their memoir,

having seen a town so rare...

The roads fork, away from trodden path,

filled with obstacles, few dare to embark,

only the curious, and adventurous folks,

chose to investigate, explore it whole. 

As they entered, they encountered,

a broken gate and warning letters,

the old houses with weathered bricks,

surrounded by dense overgrown gardens.

The cobblestone road, perfect for stroll, 

yet, dark streets, demanded patrols, 

and when one reaches, central square,

there stood a grand clock tower. 

With time stopped, mechanism lost,

they searched for learned inhabitants, 

finding some, in the deserted alleys,

they seek answers, to budding questions.

Those resident declines, with puzzling look, 

signal to direction, where a statue stood,

"we are drifters, he was always present,

ask your queries, when clockmaker talks" 

They went to the statue placed,

where man lies, in state of neglect,

"Hello friend, are you the local,

tell us the story, of this town's fall".

The man shook, opened his eyes,

whispered words, in weary voice,

"Don't seek the history of despair,

your soul will weep, heart be scarred". 

And they return, without explanations,

for, an eerie atmosphere spread...

Over the clockmaker silence. 

Why did it change?

Why did it change?

Chasing the shorter ends,

than walking long paths,

to reach our destination. 

Enjoy the journey, they say...

But what truly brought us joy,

was it leisure, or the luxuries, 

finding ways to attain both,

without facing challenges? 

Money was the driving factor,

but earlier, visions were different,

family, community and nation,

took precedence over individual concerns,

influencing choices and decisions. 

The society was more rigid,

now we are open, expressing freely,

learning new things, making opinions,

having assess to diverse perspectives, 

inspiring dreams, within our mind. 

We should have matured & grown,

soaking up, the prevalent information, 

evolving ourselves, making progressions, 

strengthening hearts, and our relations,

to reach the pinnacle of lifestyle. 

Then, why did it change?

Disillusioned, becoming secluded, 

increasing incidences of conflicts,

building barriers, breaking families...

Only leaving emptiness!

Listen to my voice

Days and night, I think about you,

in joy and sorrow, I crave you,

and in my dreams, I imagine you,

being together, spending moments,

hand in hand, touching shoulders... 

Like the mountains, my strong devotion,

like waves of seas, my intense emotion,

and as pristine lakes, my deep affection, 

have the desires, stirring passion's fire, 

yet it cares, for us to share... 

And I would sing slowly,

whispers when I am lonely,

for you to listen, and come... 

Day and night, I reminisce you,

in joy and sorrow, I miss you,

while in dreams, I fantasize you,

embracing each other, as a lover,

lost in our world, getting closer... 

These are voices, my heart's choices, 

tender feelings, ignoring the noises,

for you, my dear love...

Nefelibata

 We are the cloud walkers,

drifting slowly, in our world,

ignoring rules, of social convention,

that demands conformity, in our actions. 

Nefelibata... 

Let me spread the wings,

immersing into my imagination, 

nurturing a unique sense,

of coloring life, with my perceptions. 

Some say, I am lazy bum,

a bit aloof, the eccentric one,

unavailable to carry out biddings,

breaking the flow, and vibrations. 

Being frowned upon by the masses,

we remain untouched, from realities, 

some do appreciate our thoughts,

after realizing, our creative approach. 

Nefelibata... 

Very few people were celebrated,

most others blamed, or abandoned,

for, we were considered unnecessary, 

to become cogs, of the machines...

Contributing to our society!

They didn't speak of miracles

 They didn't speak of miracles,

just a man performing duties, 

following path of righteousness, 

respecting loved one's wishes, 

sacrificing self for other's happiness. 

Being loved and admired by masses,

didn't fuel his ego or arrogance, 

treating every person as equals,

in his exile, facing various hardships,

banished from his beloved nation.

Voluntarily relinquished the throne,

still, their relationship was strong,

building friendships and connections, 

while saving unfortunate beings,

with genuine care and concerns. 

They never speak of miracles, 

but a tale of upholding principles, 

even treating enemy with courtesy, 

keeping alliances which were lasting,

leaving behind lasting legacies. 

And so, this Dussehra,

let us remember his journey,

a path of protecting dharma,

under the guidance of lord Rama,

demolishing evils of Ravana...

Not as figures, but personification,

of virtues and qualities.