Short wait feels harder

My patience wears thin,

waiting becomes irritating, 

while performing the chores,

any delay can be limiting, 

to my calm demeanor. 

Yet, I don't have problems,

of waiting in the queues,

or pursuing long-term goals,

there are seldom frustrations, 

building in my heart.

So, I pondered on this feeling,

experiences of the uneasiness,

when I encounter some delays,

but ignore the same situations, 

accept setbacks in longer journeys. 

Maybe it's about expectations, 

instant results, without frictions, 

like loading websites, sending emails,

standing for checkouts, or in cafes,

our attention span gets short.

For, when destination is too far,

we have to accept, and prepare,

where hitch or snags don't trigger,

immediately ring alarm bells,

as the gap is too long.

Short wait feels harder,

become easier to be noticed,

brief delays break momentum, 

taking away our joy of completing, 

for, the threshold has reached!

Don't we love presents?

Don't we love presents?

The act of giving or receiving, 

excites us deep inside, 

bringing warm feelings,

when we find it gift wrapped.

Was it mystery, or excitements, 

adding surprise, of finding it out,

steadily building the suspense,

to be culminated with rewards,

of something we desired.

The process of the search, 

being a ritual, to deepen ties,

pouring emotions as we purchase, 

find something we could associate,

to be appreciated by the recipient.

And the ones, waiting to receive, 

unpredictability amplifies dopamine,

our brain love to solve puzzles,

while being valued, releases Oxytocin, 

altogether enhances the experience. 

Don't we love presents?

Untying of ribbon, tearing the paper,

opening the lid of the boxes,

feeling satisfied by the reveal,

even if the object have less appeal...

The old fish stays

The old fish stays,

which others play,

laughing & mocking, 

at his foolishness. 

"You have aged, gramp,

forgotten way of champs,

we find delicious treats,

when you are gulping air!"

The old fish ignored,

continued with the chore,

keeps an eye on juveniles, 

and shoal of fingerings. 

The fish swam further away,

frolicking & teasing, every day,

taking risks, enter shallow water,

for better food, and dwellings. 

But soon, most were hunted,

tricked by lure, surprised by traps,

witnessing horrors of companions,

being snatched away from surface.

The old fish smiled,

looked with vacant eyes,

"My scales are white, as I stayed,

learning from my mistakes."

Just be nearby...

I am not feeling good,

a bit tired, making me brood,

it could be fever or cold,

making me seek your company, 

just be nearby...

My body burning hot,

sometimes chills, sweats a lot,

lightheaded, unsteady on feet,

as glass slips from my grip.

I admit, I am at a loss,

as mind anticipate the worst,

fear invades, confidence falls,

I need your healing touch.

I imagine holding your hand,

your fingers stroking my hair,

soothing me with gentle voice,

my heart soaking your warmth.

You don't have to speak,

give me medicine or feed,

your presence is enough,

calming distress, loneliness...

I am vulnerable & weak,

in these moments, I might break,

so, hear my silent plea,

come closer, sit beside me,

just be nearby...

It's amusing, how tragedy plays

It's amusing, how tragedy plays,

like throw of dice, in hands of power, 

there's no place for individual rights,

to see dreams, aspire for better days.

Being oblivious, of cunning designs, 

there fate sealed, and hope resigned,

with no escape, grim reality awaits, 

any voice rising, is actively suppressed. 

For greater good, on righteous path,

taking revenge, for losses or insults,

overlooked as collateral damages, 

added or subtracted from statistics. 

The more fire, in heart & arsenals,

feeds their ego, blinding conscience, 

conducting meetings, taking credits,

for projecting dominance over weaklings.

It's not a burden, borne by few men,

but collective guilt, of our civilizations,

where millions and millions of lives,

being decimated, scarred for generations. 

It's indeed amusing, how tragedy plays,

with justifications, legitimacy facades,

when every hurt, cried, soul in despair,

want nothing but salvation...

A life of peace and security.

I haven't slept

"I haven't slept"

he told with pained expressions, 

sharing his struggle, 

for a peaceful slumber.

He seems anxious, 

with trembling hands,

as his lips quiver,

with shaky voice.

"Never in my life,

I felt so nervous,

to even interact,

with known persons."

And I could see the change,

his demeanor is lacking,

with invading doubts,

dimming his confidence. 

"I have trusted God, 

then why I faced such struggle, 

even in devoted heart,

I still experience bitterness."

And he speaks of troubles,

which clouds his judgments, 

of trusting process, having hope,

being grateful of the blessings...

When everything collapses,

with major disappointments,

losing his mental peace,

he shared his predicament.

Nature of discussion

 Have we ever observed,

ways our discussion goes,

when we have interactions,

as we enjoy some company.

It could be casual greetings, 

topics worthy of debating, 

or just being diplomatic,

reading room before commenting.

It changes with accompanied groups,

friends, families, professional network,

being structured, pragmatic in some,

lighthearted moments with close ones.

Most of us have social circles,

that follows a routine, usual chitchat,

seldom touching deeper concerns,

when facing troubles, serious situations. 

Familiar environments acting as cushion,

but sometimes, we are stripped of buffer,

when travelling, visiting new regions, 

we encounter diverse views & opinions.

And we are surprised, of the atmosphere,

as we engage, participate in conversations, 

where identities fades, forming new culture,

with its preferences & choices of subject...

Building empathy & understandings,

discovering something new about humanity. 

Is it natural for us to work?

Is it natural for us to work?

Like in machine, acting as a cog,

selective tasks, long hours, 

not enough time, to spend at home,

or enjoy moments of leisure. 

Since ancient times, we had a rhythm,

short burst of activity, work or pleasure,

there was a fluidity in their actions,

without rigid rules or regulations,

to limit movements, against distractions. 

The advancements of our civilizations, 

we started following division of labor,

to be more productive in performance, 

scaling agriculture, industrial revolutions,

in the era of hyper-specializations.

Yet, it came with a price,

of being dependent on assistance, 

for fulfillment of necessities, 

be it our food, shelter & energy,

forgetting the skills of survival. 

Before long, we get acclimatized, 

joining the rat race of productivity, 

where competitions & comparisons,

forcing us to maintain relative positions, 

while loss of family & community...

Keep adding jobs, following atomization.

Is it natural for us to work?

Or just a facade, social construct,

a busyness, driven by artificial urgency, 

which we can easily opt out of, 

by protecting our unproductive space...

Where we cultivate hobbies, wander, or do nothing!

The shared dream

15th August...

It's not a date,

but milestone achieved, 

after countless sacrifices.

The shared dream...

Centuries of colonial rules,

breaking the spirits of many,

enduring unspeakable crimes,

buried with passing time.

Yet, there were voices,

could never be silenced,

standing against injustice,

demanding their rights.

Now we stand on same grounds,

enriched by the sweats & bloods,

hoisting tricolor with immense pride,

singing glory of our blessed nation,

sovereign, democratic, independent, 

we gather to celebrate our freedom,

paying tribute to freedom fighters,

bowing to their grand vision.

The shared dream...

Their legacy still continues,

filling heart with patriotic hues,

we as citizens participate,

in workplaces & neighborhoods.

Beyond the government offices,

programs in school & colleges, 

it's the day of reverence, 

coming together to pray.

Happy Independence Day!

We feel lucky

We feel lucky,

when things go our way,

as others are struggling.

Finding shortcuts in the queue, 

guidance of knowledgeable person,

coincidences happening around us,

to make our journey comfortable,

having lesser setbacks or hurdles,

as if bestowed with divine blessings.

We may feel proud of achievements, 

attribute it to hard work or competence, 

being actively chosen by others. 

Yet, these can be exceptions, 

and we take credit for functions,

which are happening randomly.

We feel lucky...

Showing pleasure in proclaiming, 

of being favored by higher powers

while it's a confluence of factors,

getting fortunate by performing actions...

And fate starts favoring!

 

Ceremonial treats

Attending ceremonial treats,

that lasted for centuries at least,

satiating more than hunger,

filling our heart with bliss.

A spread of traditional dishes,

cooked in woods & earthen pots,

with limited spices & condiments, 

still rivals complex cuisines.

Is it just our sentiments, 

attached to followed traditions, 

or truly charm of simplicity, 

captures palates of those who eat.

The most sacred were ritualistic, 

connected with spirituality or devotions, 

further spreading, as part of culture,

required in marriages or family celebrations. 

We don't calculate calories or nutrition, 

when we partake, finding nourishments, 

working well with our way of living,

easily digested, keeping us healthy.

Ceremonial treats...

They are not for our needs,

but every meal is intricately linked,

with practices of our community, 

as a form of gratitude & respect...

Towards our own identity!

Religion is not for empty stomachs

 "Religion is not for empty stomachs"

It's futile to preach spiritual ideals,

making them understand philosophy, 

of religions or political sensibilities, 

when they are starving...

Yet, I have my concerns,

of people leverage situations, 

taking advantages of vulnerable, 

being subjected to manipulations, 

to further their interests.

For, personal opinion or worldview,

is not a luxury, reserved for a few,

they have much larger influences, 

often used, as tool of survival.

Poverty is not just lack of resources, 

but an onslaught, of stress & uncertainties,

where these faiths, beliefs & philosophies, 

become an internal anchor, prevent sufferings. 

It provides a sense of freedom & autonomy,

having control, for asserting their humanity,

fueling their drive, to be treated fairly, 

a step towards building better reality.

In the end, ones facing the hardships,

truly understand value of philosophies. 

Colorblind

"I don't see it," I exclaimed,

as others compare answers,

teacher have brought a chart,

with many colorful dots,

they see me with pity,

brother, you are colorblind.

I was puzzled, it didn't register,

for, I could identify colors,

appreciating natural surroundings, 

playing with crayons in childhood,

devoted some time to painting,

and have chosen vibrant attires. 

Yet, there was a sense of unease,

when I recalled things clearly,

constantly reading tags and labels,

written on crayons, and apparels, 

I could never make distinctions,

taking help of parents or sibling.

"I don't see it," years have passed,

a repeat statement, for another cause,

as they expressed, and I watched,

extremes of elation or sadness,

in greetings, meetings & interactions, 

responding to events, or relations.

The same sense of unease,

I tried to rationalize feelings,

aware of my shortcomings,

of being logical, objective thinking,

does that mean I don't experience,

missing out of many hues!

"You have emotions," A voice whispered, 

"Even if, not reacting to situations, 

not expressing mix of magenta and purples,

doesn't make your world dull or colorless,

for, you see contrast, texture & structure,

better at recognizing the patterns"

Being colorblind, is not a bad thing!

 

Mountain & winds

No one questions integrity of mountains, 

Standing tall, unmoving, steady on principles, 

Yet the winds are questioned for intentions,

When proudly declare their independence, 

Never settling, moving places to places,

Carrying fresh breeze or air pollutants.

Stealing is wrong

"We shouldn't be doing this,

stealing is wrong!" His voice concerned.

"You are a worrywart, no one will know,

and it's so much fun!" They answered.

Hiding in the orchard,

they plucked fruits & flowers,

ripened with sweet fragrances, 

bursting with colors.

The boy was small, being naive,

accompanying others of older age,

wanting to be part of an adventure, 

only to face such dilemmas. 

They were sneaky, place being vast,

hidden in foliage, farmer seem aghast,

as they return, with spoils of raids,

counting the haul, having a laugh.

But, the boy saw troubled expressions, 

seeing the damages, after their departure,

recalling the lessons, his mother's advice,

never to cause pain, from his actions.

So, he returned, called the farmer,

gathering courage, confesses his crime,

asking for forgiveness, still being hesitant, 

to divulge names, of others' involvement. 

"I am sorry, I will repay the loss,

don't call parents, It's first & only mistake"

"Don't cry kind," Farmer had kind eyes,

"You are honest, dragged into trouble "

'Stealing is wrong', Farmer continued,

"For, a thief doesn't value, 

all the love, care, hope and efforts went,

and it pains me, how plants were treated"

The boy returned, with renewed resolve, 

to never indulge, in these wrongdoings,

share the lessons, to correct behaviors.

Willingness to learn

Knowledge and insights,
Are completely useless,
Unless the recipient is humble,
Is prepared, willing to learn...

For, experiences teaches,
The teachable!

Road sense

We have seen examples, 

lapse of judgments create disasters,

extinguish lamps of many houses,

without fear of consequences. 

Road sense...

There are some responsibilities, 

we need to carry with sincerity, 

when using public infrastructures,

we have to become considerate.

Yet, people remain ignorant,

holding to ego & entitlement, 

across class and generations, 

not giving enough thoughts.

Lacking patience, lane discipline,

encroaching tracks, wrong side driving,

not prioritizing pedestrians, or traffic, 

always in a rush, to cover stretches.

With arrival of powerful vehicles,

building expressway for easier travels,

there's an obsession of higher speed,

aggressive driving often being fatal.

Road sense...

It's really painful to see,

lackluster attitudes of administrations, 

but more damaging are such cultures,

which disregards others' rights...

For using road with safety & peace.

Travelling with specific goals

Travel humbles, make us grow,

still, there lies, something more,

when we have purpose, & passion,

it can be an immersive show.

For, most of us are passive observers,

ticking off a checklist of popular sights,

still, some quests with specific lens,

transforming trip into active explorations. 

Every city, each region, possess its charm,

very few are attuned, to rhythm of location,

getting overwhelmed by vibrant surroundings  

to truly invest their time and attentions.

So, our interests act as natural filter,

to background noises, causing burnouts,

giving us space, for curiosity to thrive,

study the environment, for better understanding. 

Still, most holidays & vacations,

don't spare for adventurous expeditions, 

with planned itineraries, prior obligations, 

lacking opportunities, for authentic interactions. 

So, fortunate are those who dares, 

finding meaning, in their journeys,

making discoveries, building legacies, 

which inspires others, in creating memories. 

When we travel with specific goals,

it becomes special, something more!

Assam flood crisis

An ongoing crisis,

developing this monsoon,

where lives were impacted,

from cloudburst and deluge.

Most of us watch in news,

while unfortunate ones endures,

flooded streets and homes,

without basic amenities. 

Some climbing to the roofs,

others needing shelter & food,

as the savings are washed away,

leaving nothing to their name.

Most harrowing tales,

told by survivors & evacuee, 

missing friends and families, 

lost crops, farm animals.

There were those overlooked,

how wildlifes have lost footings, 

pressuring dwindled populations, 

to find refuge, safer dwellings. 

With places facing waves of flooding,

even the foundations became weak,

with collapse of the infrastructures, 

causing mass displacement & losses.

The nature fury is unstoppable, 

still we take steps to mitigate, 

providing support is need of hour,

till they recover from sufferings. 

My prayers for Assam flood 🙏 

Don't be dependent on validations

Don't be dependent on validations, 

Seeking reassurance from others,

For, it makes you prone to habituation. 

While promoting miscommunication,

Damaging relationships...

With self & surroundings.