Listen to my tale

Listen to my tale...

Oh, weary travelers of far lands,

embarking on this journey of life, 

to find your elusive destination.

And I will tell the secrets,

known busy a selected few,

for, there lies an oasis hidden,

under a magical veil, since ancient days. 

Only the braves would undertake,

this very strenuous excursion, 

not a detour from your routine, 

but an experience of a lifetime...

Protected by the forest guardians,

the path remains untouched for long,

ballads were written by those heard,

their glory, shared by us songsters. 

So, once every full moon,

a path would open in the forest,

showing directions to divine meadow,

where fortunes were in abundance. 

Beware, darkness might prevent,

even evoke your underlying fears,

yet the courageous remain unfazed, 

and find ways to concealed space. 

It's a realm of in-between,

boundaries are obscured of reality,

where wishes were materialized,

you could gather many valuables.

No one knows what one desires,

not much is revealed by the victors, 

but they all achieved the dreams,

being attained their fantasies... 

So, listen to my tale, weary travelers, 

and you might find the answers...

To your elusive destination. 

Judgement day

"The world is going downhill,

pot of sin is filled to brim,

and we could here the sirens,

judgement days will be upon us" 

Judgement Day...

A popular prophecy,

it's been imagined by many,

like cataclysmic flood of the past,

there's a catastrophe waiting for us. 

What if...

It's not the human, that bear the sin,

there's something more evil lurking within,

and it's showing it's sign, even now,

with medical advancements, and A.I. 

It's not like robot army would rise,

or in a matrix, we are confined,

but a more natural, yet unimaginable, 

using of something like CRISPER. 

Our genetics, is the domain of God,

we are still ignorant of it's essence, 

yet, we have started editing, for medicine, 

unaware, it's could open a pandora box. 

For centuries, we used artifical selection,

even genetically modified, plant or animal,

but CRISPER potential, to change humans,

like nuclear energy, used for atomic bomb. 

Add the spices of advancements of A.I,

we were shown dreams, of an ideal life,

a recipe for disaster, waiting to happen,

when A.I changes us, to our perfect form. 

For, uniformity & conformity would come,

our desire for conveniences & perfection,

the strings were pulled by a machine mind, 

making us listen, blindly without questions. 

Years went by, all will have edited child,

a guardian institute, oversee the quality,

society becomes docile and subservient, 

as governments collaborate with A.Is. 

Before long, we would lose our emotions,

become a zombie, without a conscience, 

may be then, the higher power intervenes,

be it from western or eastern prophecies. 

Judgement Day...

What if it's not the sin of man,

but the rise of something inhuman,

awakens the divine, to protect us,

from our advancing civilization. 

Take responsibility of your action

Civilization has grown,

for, we have known,

the secrets of world,

that we unraveled, 

with each and every turn...

Of knowledge, that we learn. 

With plethora of amenities, 

bringing diverse opportunities, 

to be entertained, in our living...

And we have forgotten, 

the basics of our living,

for a sustainable lifestyle. 

Slowly but steadily we changed,

becoming apathetic to activities,

that are important part of our life...

From cleaning of self or surroundings,

keeping things in order, or being neighborly,

by taking responsibility of our actions. 

We developed the pride,

looking down on manual labors,

needed for proper functioning...

Of our home, or the nation,

from littering to damaging property, 

insensitive of other's feelings. 

Yet, it conveyed our ignorance,

which could have a wider impact,

defining the very culture, of our society...

If we are undisciplined, and uncivil,

it might spread, in our community,

changing the very ethos, of our society. 

Taking responsibility of our actions,

is the wisdom, shared by many,

creating an environment of trust...

Where people respect each other, 

coming together as a community,

to make their place, a wonderful space,

To live in!

To plan a journey

It's never easy,

to plan a journey,

needs a lot of courage,

even for making itineraries...

For, opinions clash,

between friends or families, 

changing prices and locations,

depending on their whimsies. 

The cautious ones,

would ponder the excuses,

while the wanderlust,

keeps on extending catalog.

The elderly intervenes,

adding some pilgrimages, 

and young ones, too eager,

to push for some adventures. 

But the sensible adults, 

would seek the budget,

not letting excitements, 

empty their dear pockets...

For, luxuries do appeal, 

while browsing options,

so many of popular places,

added in the secret wishlist. 

So, it's never easy,

to plan a journey,

bringing everyone to the table,

and keeping ourselves...available.

Shadowy corridors

In these shadowy corridors,

lies a world that's hidden,

where secrets were whispered, 

and conspiracies being murmured,

Behind the back, of the living... 

It's a meeting place,

of the cunning beings,

wanting to bring the harm,

by planning the schemes,

waiting for the right opportunity. 

These corridors... 

Once a vibrant scene, 

where laughter were heard,

and love too prospered,

being a haven for young couples,

helping them in romantic rendezvous... 

But now, lost its shine,

abandoned, damaged with time,

as if fallen under some curse,

for the mistakes, happened in the past,

robbing away, it's just future. 

Now they speak, a tale of woes,

still reverberating, in the hallways,

of a cruel fate, faced by innocents,

those past lovers, bravely embraced...

Under the Draconian authorities. 

And the shadowy corridors,

were the witness & silent keepers,

a testament of a forgotten era,

woven in the tapestry of time,

yet concealed, still waiting... 

For someone to discover. 

Shopping culture

There was once a time,

people exchanged commodities, 

within their neighborhoods.

Then population expands,

villages opened haat bazaars,

to buy and sell local products. 

With passing millennia...

Villages turned to towns,

and then, cities and metropolis.

So businesses too expanded,

from retail shops to supermarkets, 

providing routine necessities. 

With the arrival of modern era,

shopping mall culture ,

grabbing people's attention. 

Fortress of glass giants,

were indeed shopper's haven,

showing dreams, catering to needs. 

Gone were the bustling streets,

merchants and hawkers cacophony, 

interactions under the warm sunlight. 

For, communities were broken,

small businesses, facing the strain,

becoming victim, of the progress. 

Many rued, but no one listened,

money was too powerful a motivator, 

forcing the weak, to close their shops.

Making the powerful, more rich,

yet, fate comes with curious twist,

as internet brought the websites. 

A digital market, new shopping norm,

everything became available, in our palm,

with swift deliveries, across the land.

Foot traffic dwindled, their empire wanes,

Vacant storefronts, like a hollow shell,

facing losses, most shutters too fell. 

We have come a long way,

from crowded streets, to digital streams,

In the ways of our shopping culture.

Still, I wonder, our choices,

as the screens could never replace,

the warmth, and the charm of markets... 

For the sake of our conveniences.

Childhood days

One of the golden years,

were years of our childhood,

high spirits, full of energy,

days with exciting and lively.

With no concerns or worries,

we seek adventures & thrills,

no obligations that restrained,

our conquests and the glory. 

Many of such incidences, 

would appear, in my thoughts,

putting me in a jovial mood,

bringing a smile, on my lips.

It was a memory of exploits,

but, for us, it was expeditions,

finding best of the places,

for our hideout & escapades. 

Beyond our dwellings, 

we rush to sugarcane farms,

surrounded by fruit orchards,

just besides a running stream.

It was our place of play,

steal some fruits and canes,

trying to catch or discover fishes, 

accompanying snacks, or picnic lunch. 

Those were the days,

that I could fall back to,

during the darkest of times,

when mind needs inspirations...

It's a beautiful life,

if we only look around,

for, once we found this treasure,

will be cherished, deep within... 

And we could see the lights,

at the end, of the tunnel.

Lost yearning

How many years lost,

I don't even remember,

the dreams that are broken,

doesn't even make the noise. 

Feelings...

Unspoken, and unheard,

muted echoes, silenced thoughts,

yearning for your presence,

in the boulevard, of my heart. 

From stories to the shows,

I have seen many chronicles, 

kindling ideas, making impressions 

were these tales, mere fictions?

And I bought, building sandcastles,

being washed way, by sea of time. 

Then you came, like a breeze,

spreading fragrance, of blooming spring,

bringing colors to a gray world,

showing dreams, of wondrous future,

lowering guards, I too believed,

smitten by your charms & beauty,

giving directions, to surging emotions. 

Yet, it's a lie, unforeseen, 

there was never any sincerity, 

blinded by love, immersed in affection,

I never doubted, had suspicions

making promises, fruitless plans,

while you drifted, to your world,

abandoning my sentiments, high & dry,

only a lingering ache, ever-increasing... 

And seasons, keep on changing.

It's been a rough day

It's been a rough day, my dear...

Being tired of all the games,

would you call me near,

and take my worries away! 

Do I need a pretense,

by gathering some sympathy, 

or convey these intense feelings,

my craving for your company? 

For, you are my healing grace,

bringing me joy and pleasure,

there's nothing that can replace, 

your loving heart, that I treasure. 

And I know, you would care,

supporting me, in a sad moment,

holding my hands, offering your ears,

cheering, with words of encouragement. 

Your soothing voice, would then calm,

these surges of my turbulent emotions,

as I get distracted, by your charms,

diving deeper into the ocean...of your love. 

So, it's been a rough day, my dear...

Embrace me tight, take away my fear!

Street foods

Our streets are covered,

with sweet and oily foods,

rich aromas that appeal,

our brain, through nostrils. 

Fried Samosas, to sweet Jalebis,

steamed momo, chaaps & pakoras,

with many rolls, tikka and kebabs,

available in veg and non-veg options. 

A symphony of dishes, that unleash,

a burst of flavors, into our taste buds, 

and we rush, with growling stomach, 

to satiate our hunger, fulfilling cravings. 

Even in simple outing, we seek snacking,

from jhalmuri, chaats and panipuris, 

fruit juices and lassi joints, would quench thirst,

while fast food stalls, provides for our belly. 

Yet, we forget, in those daily quests,

our health concerns, the consequences, 

from mild indigestion, to serious illnesses,

likes of diabetes, hypertension & heart diseases. 

For, those were the vibrant streets,

a place for pleasure and fun treats, 

with hidden costs, that we may incur,

paid with our health and finances. 

So, let's be mindful of what we eat,

tread carefully, and balance our feast,

health is a treasure, needed to be protected,

and not lose it, for fleeting indulgence. 

Noise pollution

In the era of modernity,

we have brought many ills,

some are visible to our eyes,

a lot more hidden, at plain sight. 

Noise pollution...

An unwanted sound,

not only for humankind, 

but for plants and wildlife. 

It could be traffic or machinery, 

going beyond our hearing capacity,

even the maximum limits of 85 decibels,

were ignored, while performing activities. 

And we face consequences,

like tinnitus or hearing loss,

increasing stress, sleep disturbances, 

forcing us to seek professional help. 

I can't fathom, the extent of its impact,

faces the ecosystem, of flora and fauna,

for, we still can't fully comprehend,

potential effects of artificial noises. 

Still, studies have been showing,

loud noises changes the bio rhythm,

increasing heartbeats, reducing birthrate,

interfering with animal's ability to survive. 

Even the oceans, not left untouched,

by ships, oil drills and sonar devices,

marine tranquility, replaced by chaotic noises,

affecting adversely with their echolocation. 

As the noise become more predominant,

it affects, growth and propagation of plants,

disrupting seed dissemination & germination,

by frightening away their pollinators. 

So, let us be more conscious, of our acts,

raise awareness, help create silent zones,

part away with honking & noisy appliances, 

gravitate towards a life, that values silence. 

And increase the scrubs and trees...

Acting as a barrier, reducing noise pollution. 

Sustainable travel

Our heart sings, when feet march,

newer locations, to visit and watch,

the cityscapes and natural landscapes, 

appreciate cultures, learning traditions...

For a change of pace, or dreams fulfilled,

places by places, clearing bucket lists, 

even find time, for divine connections,

through pilgrimages, with friends & families. 

Travel...

To the faraway lands,

a desire many fosters, 

to experience this world, 

in our limited lifespan...

Satisfying our curiosities, 

exploring services they offer,

for luxuries, or the leisure,

depending on our expenditures. 

And we feel excited, and nervous,

ignorant of local rules and customs,

too absorbed, to our personal needs,

to give a thought, to their concerns.

We bring chaos, to their region,

which the authorities, didn't comprehend, 

crowd, pollution, environmental damage,

problems to arrive, to their doors. 

Once welcomed, travelers were feared,

brewing discomfort, conflict with visitors,

when essential resources were scarce,

be it food, water, road or landholders. 

For, every property, a borrowed home,

that we should cherish, when we roam,

being mindful, not take things for granted,

keep things pleasant, for people involved. 

The world, is a wonder to behold, 

nurture respect & care, for the globe,

let's not create landfill, where beauty lies,

only great memories, of our travel... 

By conscious steps, we could sustain,

without becoming a burden to everyone.

Its not a big deal (Villanelle poetry)

And we realize, it's not a big deal,

once we step out, of our small world,

experience ourselves, different perspectives. 

Learn from others, as we face life,

encounter hurdles, overcome challenges, 

and we realize, it's not a big deal. 

We might find kindred spirits, along the way,

or lose many acquaintances, time's cruel ploy,

forcing us to accept, conflicting perspectives. 

But, never waver, stray from our path,

in this journey, to reach our destination, 

and we realize, it's not a big deal. 

So we explore, flood senses with stimuli,

might get overwhelmed, by our feelings,

still obtain wisdom, changing our perspectives. 

We will finally reach, a higher stage,

changing our opinions, even radical shifts,

and we realize, it's not a big deal. 

As we look beyond self, with wider perspectives :)