Floating on the surface

Floating on the surface,

how could I even speak,

of understanding the gravity,

the depth of someone's feelings... 

As an empty shell, I walked,

filling the contents, from the world,

through their fervent portrayal,

in various stories and anecdotes. 

Like wick, of a lantern,

needing fuel, for the flames,

but the glow, was never sustained,

extinguished by incoming breeze. 

Yet, the yearning still remained,

of the promises, that were made,

surrounding me with their noise,

in meetings, influencing my choice. 

And I struggled, as I protest,

its hold, within thought process,

manifesting itself in my expressions, 

impacting deeply, in most interactions. 

Finally, I decided, silence these voices,

letting mind, take over the choices, 

getting distant, detached from the calls,

for, it remained, a futile effort. 

So I keep floating, on the surface...

Waiting for the promised moment,

when the pillars, of the gates opens,

flooding me, with oceans of emotions. 

PS: This writing presents a person who is not emotionally adept with the society. But is aware of its presence from various stories and want to experience them too.

Collapsing structures

In this era of modernity, 

we have seen many marvels,

an embodiment of human mastery,

seen through skyscrapers and canals.

For, these were made with pride,

using lofty dreams as their drive,

to have an impact, leaving imprints,

on the course of our history. 

For millennia, humanity have strived, 

to build structures, for the glory,

from pyramids, temples, & palaces,

that have survived, the test of times.

Yet, there are something more important, 

that were nonexpendable part of our life,

from roads, bridges, dams & irrigation channels,

that were built for people's conveniences. 

And we see a stark contrast,

in structures, built by this generation,

that cannot stand for even years,

getting collapsed facing heavy rains.

So, what is so special, in ancient times,

we are lacking, that they did right,

even having assess to better materials,

that are stronger, sturdier, & available. 

The answer became apparent,

when we probe deeper in motives,

where money became a priority, 

rather than catering to our necessities. 

How could we have a good foundation, 

with mortars of lies and bricks of greed,

with hollow steel frames, ready to crumble,

under the weights, of our corruption... 

So, it just needs honest hands,

and our devotion, to this art,

let our sweats, & love be invested,

to grace the future, with lasting legacy!

Teacher's words

Teachers, a noble profession,

we should value, their instructions, 

for, there's an experience, 

behinds those golden words...

And it's a mutual connection,

allowing transfer of the information, 

depending on how conductive we are,

from reception, to the retentions. 

If we forge this sacred bond,

filled with respect and devotion,

each word would be carved on stones,

bringing enlightenment to our mind. 

Each spark would light the fire,

arousing interests, taking us higher,

expanding our mental capacity,

leaving its deep imprints. 

It would usher, age of learning,

of questioning and knowledge sharing,

influencing, gathering more seekers,

like the ripples, made on the pond.

And it all started, by teacher's words,

giving us wisdom, with their guidance,

as rays of light, they disperse darkness,

that clouds our inner consciousness. 

A clock witness

Tick tock, tick tock,

I hummed as I knock,

helping you in taking stocks, 

I am your humble clock... 

From the day I was built,

I was given a single directive,

to use my dials and hands,

letting masters, manage their time... 

I was kept, on the walls,

watching the time passing by,

through the generation change,

shifting like the desert sands. 

The spacious, cozy house,

slowly became homely abode, 

built with love and affection, 

bringing warmth to the surroundings. 

I had seen the birth and deaths,

joyful occasions to sorrowful events,

bustling gatherings to abandonment,

crammed spaces to deserted place. 

Tick tock, tick tock,

I am a silent observer, 

being the sentinel guardian,

A machine witness... 

Watching time's relentless parade.

Raindrop tales: From earth to sky

In the clouds, I was born,

a product of the condensation, 

of those evaporated water vapors,

from soil, lakes, rivers and oceans.

As tiny droplets, we lie suspended,

in larger groups, due to strong updrafts,

changing our shape and sizes,

affected by temperature, wind & turbulence... 

I am a raindrop,

floating with the clouds,

being carried by the winds,

drifting to places unknown...

This vast sky is my home,

I seldom encountered visitors,

yet, I had my share of surprises,

having encounters, with winged creatures. 

And then came the fateful day,

I embarked the journey of my life,

accompanied by flashes & rumbles,

it was a farewell, filled with fervor.

And I was amazed, waiting to land,

getting a mesmerizing view of the ground,

from square, rectangle or grid patterns,

rugged slopes with serpentine pathways. 

Closer and closer, as I fall,

faster and faster, becomes the pull,

passing through the misty air,

I was speechless, coming so near.

The trip was delightful & swift,

splashing down, on the leaf,

streaking through the branches,

upon the earth, with a welcome kiss. 

Joining my fellow brethren,

I went with the flow, into the streams,

going back to the river nearby,

hoping to visit again... 

Bound to the nature's cycle,

between earth, and the sky!

Life is mostly unfair

This life is mostly unfair,

it took time, for me to understand, 

having frustrations, and disappointments 

becoming disillusioned...

Yet, I chose to not care. 

I don't care...

I whispered in casual tone,

never reaching, a follow through,

for, deep down, I always knew,

I didn't want, to let it go.

So, I decided to hold on,

and carry, these broken dreams,

building the ship, that would sail,

navigating through the challenges. 

Practicing self-control and discipline, 

devoting self, in professional life,

gathering experiences in this journey, 

strengthening myself, overcoming shortcomings. 

There are also moments, of seeking pleasure,

to enrich my thoughts, with the beauty,

delving in things, of my interests,

in the passion, leisure and luxuries. 

For, this life is mostly unfair,

there's no point in lamenting,

I would strive, to carve this path,

leading to my destiny...

Forgotten books

In the corners of old library,

lies a weathered, rustic shelf,

showing scratches, chipped at place,

have become dusty, and unkempt. 

Yet, it had been home for long,

where I was kept, in my section,

along with my fellow companions,

waiting to be held, by claimants. 

And I remember those times,

when I was loved and cherished,

changing hands, every weekends,

with gentle fingers, turning of pages. 

The anticipation of our selections,

young minds, to older generations, 

reading stories in hushed voices,

witnessing changes in their emotions. 

And I lament, how deep I feel,

being admired, to almost forgotten,

getting further away, from the center,

as years passed, with newer arrivals. 

And I yearn, waiting for so long,

someone to open, browse pages,

even though its wrinkled or stained,

I wish to see gleams, in their eyes... 

And to feel again, revive my spirit,

with the warmth of human touch!!

Imposter syndrome

Am I deserving, I question...

Standing on this podium of life,

with all the respect in greetings,

making me happy yet apprehensive. 

Will I be exposed, of misgivings...

That would disappoint, everyone's beliefs,

for, I am not good enough, to be standing,

alongside ones, gifted & accomplished. 

Am I being delusional or a realist?

Suffering from being a pessimist,

yet, a better term might define,

for, I am imposter refined... 

Imposter syndrome, a curious condition...

Affecting many, in various positions,

holding us back, to reach our goals,

by reminding us, our shortcomings. 

Burdened with self-doubts...

And fear of being exposed, 

we fall victim, to our worries,

even our successes are discomforting. 

And we set higher standards...

Feeling inadequate, compared to others,

investing into work, for proving ourselves, 

yet, nothing satiates, this hunger. 

Imposter syndrome...it will extinguish, 

these flames of our life's energy,

without even once celebrating,

our contributions...value that we bring!

For the sanctuary

It's a tale of three souls,

whose destiny entwines,

for a common goal,

as they chased lofty dreams,

yet, facing hurdles of realities, 

to finally reach...The sanctuary!! 

Sikha, a doctorate PhD candidate,

working a thesis, on local vultures,

trying to find ways, save these species.

Ratan, a village farmer,

losing his produce, to the weather,

struggles to make his end meet.

Nandan, a wildlife photographer,

hoping to find the elusive picture,

to be appraised, for career rise. 

Three people, at different stage,

building path, to desired place,

unaware of a fortunate meeting.

For, Sikha, brought the knowledge, 

roped in villages, created awareness,

While Ratan, found opportunities, 

by caring saplings, planting trees,

Nandan heard of these stories,

in vultures, he found his calling. 

And their efforts, born the fruits,

villagers prospered, with the growth,

from forest produce, to tourism,

local hand loom, saw their sell,

Sikha had her research awarded,

Nandan, capturing prized photos, 

And Ratan, had prospering business. 

Yet, the real winners, were not vultures, 

But us human, celebrating conservation.

A conversation between moon and the ocean

It's a full moon night,

In these pristine shores,

shimmering with lunar light,

As tides rise and fall... 

" Oh moon, listen to my call,"

The ocean pleads in her song,

"why so distant, far from us,

when I carry your reflections, 

carved deep within my heart" 

" Dear Ocean, don't be sad,"

Moon replied, to allay her worries,

" I have always been your ally, 

trying so hard, to bring you closer,

yet, my gravitational pull lack power" 

" My precious Moon, such a tragedy,"

Ocean understood and rued silently,

" I too have the responsibility to carry,

even when my heart seeks your presence,

I couldn't reach, your extended invitations " 

" It's alright, I feel happy inside,"

Moon said, with a big smile,

" When I watch, your blue glory,

And I know, all of your sacrifice,

for your families in earth's kinds" 

Ocean smiled, being teary-eyed,

Moon glowed, a delicate shine,

as wind whispered, in clear sky... 

" We may never meet each other,

But in hearts, remains this picture,

For, we are, other's reflections "

A true companion

We were always together,

from the day, we were born,

only thing is, I needed illumination,

while you were present, regardless... 

I was your first friend,

a company for your childhood, 

letting you experience, adult limbs, 

when you wished, to be like them. 

Your tiny hands grew, 

now, I became your extension, 

creating different life forms, 

It was game, we played together. 

I had seen your struggles, 

flickering with your silhouettes, 

while you study, or watched shows,

under the glow of bulbs or candles. 

I saw those phases of youthful years,

running for love, dreams & aspirations, 

I followed, from morning to the evenings,

even sticking to toes, in harsh noon. 

Times passed, you are a working man,

carrying responsibilities on shoulders,

being forgotten, yet cheering your days,

in hardships or pleasures, of life's events. 

And now, I witness your weary soul,

tired, alone, approaching the end,

bedridden, with thin body and limb,

again discovering, long-lost friend...

In these borders, where lamp is lit,

we would be united, when our ends meet...

For, I am your shadow, a true companion!

How to define happiness

We want to be happy,

yet, our happiness varies,

depending on individuals, 

the perceptions of reality...

So, how could we define,

something that's arbitrary, 

that changes it's colors,

from people, to the society. 

World's happiness report,

used for ranking the nations,

might influence our opinions,

showing glimpses of prosperity....

And we wonder, how it feels,

living life in such countries, 

ignoring the inherent biases,

in making such statistics. 

For, it involves economic well-being, 

choosing countries that are wealthy,

having assess to all the amenities,

and freedom to live without worries.

In contrast, the poorer countries,

are expected to be sad, unhappy,

without steady income, or freedom,

good governance to support citizens. 

Yet, they exclude many valuable factors,

of having interests and some purpose,

psychological issues which might disrupt,

deeper connection, with our surroundings. 

For, our culture, too plays a role,

protecting us from social isolation,

policies prioritizing universal welfare,

promoting healthy, & fulfilling lifestyle. 

P.S

And so, we learn from pioneers, 

who created GNH ( Gross National Happiness)

factors, that might be much closer,

of defining, the path to happiness...

Blame game

Don't fall into the temptations, 

of blaming others, for misfortunes, 

it's the path, we have chosen,

that determined, the seen outcomes... 

We might have a difficult upbringing,

not enough opportunities, in the baskets,

our voices might have been silenced,

by the difficulties, of our situations. 

But, have we ever tried?

Make the most, of given chances,

or our hesitancy and pessimism,

lead us to our present condition? 

Then it hurts, to even listen,

all the mockeries and ridicules, 

for, somewhere in those taunts,

lies an ugly truth, unspoken... 

And, we have no answers,

still, we fall into procrastination,

for, it's our pride or ignorance, 

making us apathetic, to our situation. 

Disappointments, feeling like a failure,

our tears, couldn't comfort anymore,

pushing us more, to social isolation,

with our heart, filled with resentment. 

So, have we ever asked ourselves...

How much of blame game is justifiable?