A hermit, I become

A hermit, I become,

not from choice or imposition,

but circumstances influenced, 

many of such decisions. 

Solitude, I have craved,

not the following isolation, 

getting drifted from society,

making it hard, for my inclusion.

A hermit, I become,

but not with spiritual devotion,

desires breeds, in spaces of mind,

and heart sways, affecting intentions. 

For, nothing is constant in life,

situation changes, mood varies,

emotions drifts, with the tides,

formed in the ocean of thinking. 

A hermit, I become,

withdrawing from social interactions, 

started as an escape from boredom, 

preserving my peace and freedom. 

Yet, there were regrets & compromises,

letting go of connections or experiences, 

and now, it's harder to return & assimilate,

becoming part of social circles. 

In another's arms

In another's arms,

I watched you swing,

giggling with joy,

wearing the ring,

in the fingers gently,

caressing the skin,

and stroking hairs,

while softly glancing,

the one, that's not me. 

In another's arms,

I witnessed the change,

the glow on your face,

that increases the ache,

so, I stood in silence,

accepting fate's trails,

where rewards were lost,

only remains, are the cost,

a lifelong regret...

Mental barriers

What should I say,

even if I know them,

but it's been years,

that we have talked. 

Mental barriers... 

Some obstacles are internal, 

which stops us in our path,

from taking initiatives. 

And we become cautious,

when in unfamiliar situations, 

getting nervous in interactions. 

It could be our nature, 

preferring solitude to crowds,

being selective of our circles. 

Or stemmed from self-doubts,

of being worthy of attention,

when society seeks perfections. 

And we believe, inner criticisms,

getting insecure, of our positions, 

develop stereotypes, preconceived notions. 

Mental barriers... 

Are born from our fears,

of judgments and failures, 

which might damage relations.

Yet, most of them are irrational, 

from us being self-conscious,

being oblivious, of other's perspectives. 

With courage and open mind,

we could challenge negative thoughts,

and engage, in fruitful interaction.

Cleaning surfaces

We are becoming lazy,

or work keeps us busy,

to spare time for chores,

that were very basic. 

Cleaning surfaces of house,

thorough washings, not vacuum, 

were normal routine of old times,

for maintaining good hygiene. 

And those, who avoided tasks,

or were victim of circumstances, 

were afflicted with various ailments, 

preventable, had they handled early. 

We learned, developed mechanisms, 

to sterilize materials for utilization,

using soaps, sunlight, heating,

made chemicals for disinfecting. 

And now, we have the means,

still, they remain unutilized fully,

extending dates, making excuses,

considering it a hassle to comply. 

For, we prefer to be cozy,

until things do become hazy,

or weather & family pressure, 

motivates us to take actions.

Deluge and drought

Humanity has fought,

to win over the world,

still becomes fragile,

to nature's onslaught... 

Deluge, severe floods,

damages property, lives lost,

excess rainfall, cloudbursts,

brings landslides & erosion.

Tsunami batters the coast,

while rivers swell and grows,

getting severe every year,

due to deforestation, drains clogged. 

Drought, prolonged spells,

grounds were parched,

barren and dusty earth,

facing shortage of water.

Some natural occurrences, 

now, it's the climate change,

from exploitation of resources,

and unsustainable development. 

Deluge & drought... 

Could we bear the cost,

when weathers are extreme,

adversely impacting the hosts,

by making situation grim?

Some try to dominate,

make dams and channels,

while others, surrender,

endure the disasters... 

And rebuild again,

just like other lifeforms. 

He tells his woes

He tells his woes,

to anyone listening, 

as a humble narrator, 

sharing personal stories. 

For, he had seen days,

having some disappointments, 

still carrying his duties,

with a smile, on his face. 

He once had a dream,

to race ahead, for the win, 

but, had faced cruel realities, 

forcing choices upon him. 

There are beautiful sights,

lovely morning, sweet nights,

feeling that were special,

giving him blessing from divine. 

Now, his hopes and wishes,

were invested on innocent hearts, 

and he embraced, life of toil,

offering work, for future visioned. 

Yet, there's still lingering ache, 

loneliness comes like waves,

so he awaits, for empathetic voices,

to acknowledge his silent sighs... 

As he tells his woes.

Custodians

They are the guardians,

preservers of the traditions, 

carrying the duty to protect,

and transmit inherited knowledge. 

Custodians... 

Been entrusted by community,

or willingly accepted responsibility,

for upholding cultural or moral lessons, 

not be replaced, with changing times. 

And, it's starts with the parents, 

instilling values into their children,

telling stories, influencing choices,

letting them appreciate their heritage. 

The elders would share wisdoms,

skills learned from experienced adults,

each sector of functioning society,

had something to add into individuals. 

Custodians... 

Not the self-proclaimed ones,

but persons, silently performing obligations, 

they are these unsung heroes,

whom we appreciate, for their contributions.

Losing my calm

I fear, losing my calm,

and react, in heated interactions, 

when even polite conversations, 

might carry snide remarks.

It could be harmless observations, 

often enhanced by self delusions, 

preserving prestige, self-esteem, 

might transform into something vicious. 

Unaware, we hurt others feelings,

increased tone become unpleasant, 

sprouting doubts, fear or anger,

which might escalate it even further.

The sensitive ones might withdraw,

avoid confrontations, breaking the flow,

from communication to our relations,

due to lack of emotional regulations. 

So, let's understand these triggers,

overwhelming us in the agreements,

there are cues, to be followed,

paying attention to body’s signals.

And it will help us pause,

collect thoughts before respond,

a time-out, deep breathing, mindfulness, 

can be practiced, to prevent...

Losing my calm.

I haven't arrived

I haven't arrived,

for, I still can't see,

having enough courage,

to change perspectives. 

For, I am immature,

seek comfort, from security,

in the cradle of routines,

and not risk, beyond means. 

I haven't arrived,

for, I still have envy,

yet, actions are lacking,

to reach certain capacity. 

And I find excuses, 

to avoid getting involved,

sparing precious times, 

in taking responsibility new. 

I haven't arrived, 

still walking, on this journey,

fearing obstacles ahead,

taking steps cautiously. 

Yet, the pace had slowed,

while others are marching ahead,

and I panicked, tried to chase,

only to realize, my feet paralyzed. 

Frustrations, it changes us

We are living in such an age,

where expectations get overwhelmed, 

bringing hurt and disappointments, 

spilling over our mental state. 

Frustrations, it changes us... 

When the goals were failed,

needs or desires, not met,

having struggles, facing obstacles,

and our efforts, got wasted. 

The fate playing cruel games,

while some lucky ones escape,

these comparisons may break,

sprouting inside, discontent... 

And it invades, in our mind,

making us irritable, anger rise,

increasing anxiety, with stress,

makes us sensitive, to other's ways. 

We may display, frequent outbursts, 

being hostile, with aggressive attitude, 

while some drown, in negative emotions,

feeling helpless, losing confidence. 

Frustrations, it changes us... 

Could be detected, with exaggerations, 

and are presented, as behavioral patterns,

when we realize, our distrusting mind,

manifesting as cynicism and pessimism.

Liar, liar...

You speak of lofty dreams,

deceiving with sugar-coated speech,

painting your life in colorful displays,

by living, beyond your means. 

Liar, liar... 

We are no fools,

take words at face value,

we have seen the world,

with fare shares of struggles. 

Nothing in life comes easy,

it needs effort, becoming busy,

few could sustain lavish lifestyle, 

having privileges, or win lotteries. 

Liar, liar... 

Don't stretch the truth, 

boasting success without proof,

for, the action speaks louder,

you can't conceal it for long. 

There's no shame in admitting, 

setbacks are part of the journey, 

still, you harbor low self-esteem, 

cling to delusions, fabricating stories. 

Liar, liar... 

It will only add to your woes,

growing like the Pinocchio nose,

are you ready, to bear the cost,

being avoided, when trust is lost?

Early years

There are years spent, 

for growth and development, 

learning from our surroundings, 

and preparing, for future envisioned.

It's a period, we were entrusted, 

under guidance & supervision,

to protect, support, teach,

till we become independent. 

Yet, there were few exceptions, 

some may encounter misfortunes, 

where guardians fail their duties, 

being negligent, some exploitation.

Some were spoiled with options,

others follow strict regulations, 

as parents and teachers were involved,

for training, and imparting education. 

And here, lies a danger,

weakening their fragile hearts,

building stress over the time, 

that manifests as various illness.

From vague pains, to severe diseases, 

multiple addictions, even depressions,

while early onset of chronic illnesses, 

create havoc in younger minds. 

Early formative years,

they are important stage of life,

let us avoid stress, enjoy times,

build foundations, for healthier future. 

P.S. A lot of chronic illnesses are now manifesting in younger ages,

like diabetes, hormone, heart, PCOD,

Autoimmune disease.

Somewhere stress, lifestyle are culprits.

It's Holi time!

In the phalguna month,

people gather to celebrate, 

winter recedes, comes spring,

nature colored with hues of life,

it's Holi time!! 

A vibrant festival,

bringing joy and delights, 

with dry gulal or sprinkled water, 

atmosphere becomes alive,

it's Holi time!! 

When enemies become friends,

bond between relations strengthens,

spreading happiness all around,

with our greetings & shouts, 

it's Holi time! 

Who can forget the mithai,

gujiya, gulab jamun, thandai,

while bada, samosa, kachori,

giving us energy to keep playing,

it's Holi time!! 

There's no separations of mind,

everyone applies color on skin,

dancing, singing, visiting homes,

forgiving long-standing grievances, 

it's Holi time! 

So, let's enjoy our time,

using eco-friendly colors,

creating memories for life,

in shades of red, blue, green,

it's Holi time!