Stigma

"It's a shame,

that we put the blame,

on the ones suffering,

the blunt of their pain." 

Mistakes being committed, 

can be redeemed, forgiven,

if there's remorse in heart,

conscious efforts were made...

To rectify, to change. 

Then, there are some actions,

that are genuine and justifiable,

yet powerless, on the opposite spectrum,

of the communities, forming opinions. 

But the most hurtful were those,

getting punished for a cruel fate,

isolated, abused, even denounced...

For being afflicted by disease or illnesses. 

Stigma,

It's a matter of perception,

without awareness on subject,

or influenced by our emotions.

Like a herd mindset,

taking comfort in majority,

dissociating from the weak,

or punishing the offenders. 

Who will decide the price,

that one bears, from the branding,

without encouragements or supports,

bravely facing this world, all alone.

Cold shower

A cold shower,

in the early morning,

should be a preference,

for a healthy routine.

Yet, winter's a deterrence,

for exercising our choices,

seeking the higher temperature, 

we like soaking in warm water. 

But, many other communities, 

still enjoy the sensation of chill,

as they start their new day,

being refreshed from the cooling.

Even the present generation,

indulge in some adventures, 

fulfilling their bucket lists,

in ice bath, at subzero temperature. 

A cold shower...

That experts too promote,

as many evidences do support,

benefits of cryotherapy. 

Improving circulation, bolstering immunity,

reducing inflammation, increasing metabolism, 

even boost our mood, reducing anxieties,

and combat, symptoms of depression. 

And I too, am an ardent follower,

turning the tap, imbibing the sensation,

stimulating body and my mind,

in the flowing streams, of a cold shower. :)

In the shadows, we meet

In the shadows, we meet,

holding hands, making a promise,

at this special place, our rendezvous...

Placing those moments, closer to heart. 

A soft breeze brushes your cheek,

as you play with your hair strands,

smiling coyly, watching tenderly,

making me weak in my knees. 

Putting hands, gently on your shoulder, 

I looked into your eyes, pulled you closer, 

a bit nervous, pausing for your reaction,

only to be welcomed, hugging me tighter. 

Our gentle embrace, becomes my answer,

dispelling concerns, giving me courage,

a future to see, a vow to be pledged, 

not just words, but with my actions. 

For now, let's savor these moments,

not for long, this place be deserted,

diving deeper, more into each other,

caressing body, imbibing our soul. 

And these shadows, be our witness, 

as our lips connects, whispering promises,

dreaming of a life, being together... 

Our love will last forevermore.

A marathon that wasn't

A night marathon was organized  in our city. I deliberated to participate in it. As most marathons were morning events and I am not an early riser. So, I decided to take part in it, and choose 10 km distance. 

I had to purchase my jogging clothes. I had a sport shoe that I haven't used for years, so decided to not buy it. And finally the day of event came. 

I had to do registration by 5 pm, so went to register myself on 4:30 PM. The main event taking was 6:00 PM. I expected 1 hour warmup was enough, and I could explore the stadium in the meantime. So, I did online registration. They provided me my bib number. and I went to directly into the stadium..

I explored the place, and waited for race to begin. But this was my biggest misconception. As the time came near, they started a dance program. I was surprised and learned that it will start after dignitaries would come. So, the dignitaries came, each one addressing crowd. Soon it became a social event, with discussions, messages and slogans. I was getting impatient, when I met some of my college friends. So, we had our chat, explored a bit, had snacks while roaming around. As the time came near, we learned that it will start after 8 PM. Now, I was getting bored, when I found something stuck under my shoes. 

So, I raise my shoe to check, only to realize, my sole of show came out. I was shocked and pondered what can I do. After much thought, I take out sole of my other shoe. I did feel bad as it was my new jogging shoe that I purchased years back but never used. Anyway, I tried to use this soleless shoe, and participated in the race. As I lined for with my friends, the organizer volunteers asked me to join later as first 10 km runners will run. I was confused and told them that I was also in 10 km. Then they said that I don't have the RFID chip embedded bib number for timed race. When I conveyed to them that it was given by them only, then they requested me to return to the registration area and take a new one.

I contemplated and decided to go back. As I reached the registration stall, they were already closing, and said no more exchange can be done. It was disappointing but I didn't have any more interest to complain. I returned back to my house without taking part in the marathon.

So, my first marathon ended in a failure, due to a series of unfortunate issues.

Why did I giggle?

Why did I giggle?

Having quivering in my voice,

speaking hurriedly, broken words,

finding it difficult to convey...

And I noticed the changes, 

fingers getting stiff each moment,

getting chills all over my body,

I finally realized, it's getting colder. 

Sitting in my workspace,

getting involved, discussing subjects,

I never have thought to experience...

This curious condition, at that place.

With a little tweak, or by accident,

air temperature reduced by numbers,

and I shivered, getting goosebumps, 

opening my mouth...just to laugh. 

It's indeed an intriguing situation,

known too well, from my childhood,

in wintry showers, or getting drenched,

visiting mountains, or morning trails...

Like a natural response of my body,

getting triggered, making me fluttery,

I tried to gain control, of my body,

only to be overpowered, laughing hysterically. 

Those were the fun times,

but now, I have to be serious,

still, I needed some explanation, 

it does make me curious.

Not so common, varying reasons,

some identify it as shock response,

a sudden change of surrounding temperature, 

stimulates release of adrenaline in our body. 

It could also be sensory stimulation, 

creating a tickling or tingling sensation,

Or could be from endorphin release,

producing feelings, of euphoria & happiness.

Then again, it's a psychological conditioning, 

when brain finds cold as something amusing,

these explanations, only made me confused... 

Why did I giggle? I kept wondering.

Mugging before the exams

Exams looms near,

making us remember,

our forgotten books,

the missed chapters...

Desperate times demands,

taking desperate measures,

textbooks were plundered, 

for a mugging session. 

A last-minute effort,

cramming up the facts,

crushing the knowledge, 

to pour them all inside...

Be it the table,

or lying on the bed,

spreading sheets of papers,

immersing them all, for recollection. 

In the age of competition, 

surrounded by many distractions,

we got complacent, ignored consequences, 

our actions being, against the norms.

Yet, we missed the very essence,

of learning things, understanding concepts, 

the seeds of knowledge, needed to be sown,

by steadily investing time and effort. 

Last-minute mugging up...

A method used by many,

due to disinterests or compulsions,

a victim of system, lacking the passion,

where curiosity, acted as our guidance.

And we mug...

Regurgitating information, without retention, 

limited time, for thinking or reflection,

which increases stress, making mind anxious, 

losing our respect, to the importance...

Of examinations.

Amidst the group of jogger

Amidst the group of joggers,

I joined to have a quick run,

complete the targeted steps,

for growing my health quotient. 

Sun streaks through the leaves,

walking on the concrete beneath,

encountering frequent fellow walkers,

I struggled, to keep up the pace. 

And I paused, tried creating spaces,

changed directions, for better movements,

with each round, more people gather,

involving themselves, in this healthy endeavor. 

So I wondered...

How great it would be,

having a place for myself,

being away from this crowd,

having some room for privacy. 

While I tread, and sprint,

inhaling fresh air, of the morning,

basking in the golden rays of sunshine,

feeling the wet grass on my naked feet. 

For, I seek the silence,

having a complete experience, 

unburdened by surrounding distractions, 

each hike, bringing a moment of solace. 

Then again, I am not alone,

a desolate land, is a rarity,

so, with a new-found gratitude,

I accepted my blessed reality... 

And I restarted my run,

amidst the group of joggers. 

How does it works?

How does it work?

Spending life with a stranger,

a relation built on other's terms,

knowing little about each others.

I cannot fathom...

The idea of such bonding,

knowing very well its prevalence,

within our communities. 

Things were much easier,

when we lived for obligations, 

but now, tasting the freedom,

it's difficult to have appreciations...

And things changes with times, 

I am still halfway, stuck in-between, 

where hopes & expectations collides,

creating rifts, breaking down the desires. 

So I walked, with cautious steps,

thinking twice, before I could tread,

slowly times passed, missed chances,

leaving behind guilts and regrets. 

Even then, I couldn't change,

the very nature, of my essence,

trying to find a middle ground,

pleasing others, comforting myself. 

So, how does it work,

I could never tell,

broken many hearts,

with my stubborn denials...

Yet, I too am willing,

if they value the process,

it's not the perfection, I desire,

but heart prefers, an understanding. 

Then again, I would be the one...

Getting hurt, from my choices. :) 

In the tip, of the tongue

In the tip of the tongue,

words, that should be known,

yet, the memory fails to retrieve, 

letters like fog, an uneasy feeling. 

Frustration builds, as mind races,

seeking the gates, door that hidden,

all the efforts, time I have invested,

away from grasp, when it's needed. 

In the tip of the tongue,

it's an intense battleground, 

searching for the right terms,

to convey deeper emotions. 

And the meanings are lost,

led astray in an obscured path,

and so, we struggled hard,

hoping to make a connection. 

In the tip of the tongue,

remains feelings unspoken,

will it remain for long,

or just a fleeting moment? 

But be cautious, take care,

it might be something serious,

a forewarning of things to come,

likes of Dementia or Alzheimer's... 

In the tip of the tongue,

we don't have to worry much,

it's nothing but a partial recall,

most have felt, once in a while. 

And the mental haze do clears,

as if, a weight had been lifted,

when words burst, like a flash, 

and wave of blissful sensations... 

From the tip of tongue, to our heart.

Dark clouds gathers

Dark clouds gathers,

casting vast shadows,

and things get still,

awaiting the weather's shift. 

And I watched, towards the sky,

as daylight fades, welcoming twilight,

a distant rumble, low and deep,

put me in trance, like a dream. 

Entranced, imbibing the atmosphere, 

standing barefoot, on the soil,

as the wind howls, leaves rustles

and air felt heavy, laden with moisture. 

A misty surrounding, as droplets fall,

with the arrival, of passing showers,

a bit astonished, with thunders roars,

seeking a shade, to avoid getting drenched. 

Fat, bigger drops begin to fall,

the chorus overhead, as rain patters,

so, I witnessed, a magical moment, 

as petrichor, spreads its fragrance. 

So, the dark cloud gathers,

taking me back, to carefree days,

where worries were insignificant, 

in the divine presence...

Of nature's glorious display.

An airy author

Trying new thing, hope you like it. :)

An airy author,

Believed bringing butterfly, 

Channels creation. 

Determined demands,

Encouraged extreme efforts,

Fabricate fictions. 

Guilty generals,

Handling honest heritage, 

Ignore innocence. 

Jubilant journey, 

Knowingly keeping knowledge, 

Limits lush learning. 

Miracle moments, 

Notice nourishing nature,

Obtains objectives. 

Picturesque plot line,

Quiets quality questions,

Risks revised response. 

Seeking short sessions, 

Towards tomorrow's topic,

Use understanding. 

Valid victory,

Welcome whimsical writing,

Xebec Xylograph. 

Youthful yesteryear,

Zestfully Zoom Zenith, Zen...

An airy author.

Sunken cities

Sunken beneath the waves,

where sunlight dims and fades,

lies a lost city, over the seabed,

waiting to be discovered... 

Described in the songs,

memories of an ancient land,

once prosperous, a majestic place,

now in ruins, being forgotten. 

Corals adorn, once golden gates,

fishes swim over the courtyards, 

even the grand house and palaces,

just silent stones, in watery arcades. 

Millennia passed, it remained flooded,

grand dwellings, obscured and damaged,

yet, here lies many precious artifacts, 

telling stories of our mysterious past. 

And within those broken parts,

lies missing pieces of the puzzle,

being put together, by able hands,

to answer the questions, we all had. 

Let us wait or take part,

in this grand quest of experts,

as they unravel, with newer techs,

exploring mythologies, with hard facts... 

Even if it means, rediscovering lost worlds.

An ideal world

An ideal world... 

Would not have the strife,

people not being hostile,

spewing poisons that divide,

or shout out loud enough,

to silence hearts, that cries. 

Where connection were sought, 

out of their genuine curiosities,

not having conditions attached,

to any words or meetings,

for making relations work. 

There's no blame game,

for following one's desires,

forcing guilt or having regrets,

of any thoughts and actions,

making us wary, of even trying. 

And our personality blooms,

with each healthy interactions, 

without the fear of treachery,

being used as a mean,

to advance self interests. 

For, an ideal world,

is full of benevolence, 

having something for all,

living becomes an experience, 

to be looked forward to...

Every single day.

But then, it's now a fairy-tale!