Fear of losing friendships

Friendship, a beautiful bond,

being part of us since childhood,

chatting, playing, spending time,

filled with joy and happiness. 

We plan for adventures, 

meet regularly for recreation,

cheering efforts for achievements, 

while sympathizing the other's losses. 

Yet, people changes with time,

following dreams, worldly aspirations, 

as frequent gatherings were replaced,

by seldom calls and messages.

And we realize, drifting part,

as we move, to separate paths,

with personal or work obligations, 

creates divides, build the wall. 

And then, we face real world,

shares of successes & failures,

accelerating the mental distance,

involving in status and finances.

It sprouts fear and hesitations, 

stemmed out of low self-esteem, 

while triggered by envy in shadows

finding others grow in positions. 

Still, our heart remembers,

memories of innocent past,

untainted from ugly feelings,

just pure delight of connections. 

May be, that's what we miss,

when we reflect, and reminisce, 

letting go of moments of bliss...

The fear, of losing precious friendships. 

Charm of village life

There's a charm in village life,

where we spend, nostalgic times,

visiting grandparents, and relatives,

during vacations, or occasional rides. 

It was part of treasured memories,

when we explored, the natural surroundings,

with cleaner air, water bodies & greeneries, 

provided a sense of calm & tranquility. 

To be away from traffic & noise pollution,

with constant race among urban hustles, 

our weary mind finds moment of respite,

reducing stress, in slow pace of life. 

Maybe we do crave simple living,

not comparison of materialistic possessions,

reducing the pressures for achievements, 

acting as hindrance, for finding contentment. 

It helps us to have genuine relationships, 

when interactions are personal & authentic,

building strong bonds, with shared identities, 

providing help & supports, in times of need. 

But now, the times have changed,

villages are losing their place,

developing into towns or emptied, 

leaving behind ancient memories...

The irony of situations

The irony of situations, 

never loses its meanings,

when getting the outcomes,

contrary to expectations,

for, the future envisioned,

being betrayed by conditions, 

while the ones unenthusiastic, 

achieve the positions,

without appreciating... 

The irony of situations, 

leaves lasting impressions, 

affecting mental peace,

by inoculating the poison, 

of yearnings & jealousy, 

through unfair comparisons, 

ignoring their struggles,

only focusing on promotions,

of dazzling lifestyles... 

The irony of situations, 

brings profound realizations, 

when we observe silently,

course of thoughts & actions,

which influences our choices,

of grabbing incoming opportunities,

depending on qualities & desires,

for fulfillment of things required, 

and intensity, of our hunger...

Woodpecker plan backfired

The woodpecker flies,

searching places to hide,

their treasured acorns,

stockpiling large hoards,

for coming winters. 

The family gathers,

finding old oak tree,

with hard, big branches, 

for building enough holes,

and store the seeds. 

The woodpecker tries,

hammering beak right,

while chiseling for hours,

to wedge each nut inside,

accumulating large stocks. 

Yet, it's a tiring job,

giving them headache,

while his friends rejoice,

finding a redwood cladding,

in the side of a barn. 

The woodpecker rue,

driving out the squirrels, 

while friends took advantage,

of softer walls to process,

for keeping their acorns. 

And then, winter arrived,

their hard work paid price,

while friends were lost,

finding most of the nuts gone,

as walls were thin & damaged. 

The woodpecker smiled and said,

"sometimes the old ways are best" 

** Inspired from YouTube video 

" The woodpecker's shortcut plans backfired,

by FariaAntillon

We were friends

We were friends,

being together, and we spent,

days and nights, sharing moments,

exploring surroundings, making mischiefs, 

with lots of adventures. 

We were friends,

more than neighbors or classmates,

in times of joy, and amazement, 

in times of sorrow, and disturbances,

being each other's pillar of support. 

We were friends, 

being young to realize,

that we were powerless in life,

as circumstances put us in bind,

unable to make independent decisions, 

We were friends,

then, how could you deceive,

ignoring my requests or pleads,

vanishing from my life,

leaving only void within. 

We were friends,

is what I wanted to believe, 

but your absence, cruel retreat, 

forced me to confront reality,

that I was forsaken... 

Like the shoes outside!

Think again

If you think you have mastered,

from the knowledge, you acquired,

making you an expert in this field,

giving authority, to correct deed,

think again... 

For, when we grasp the concepts, 

it gives insights, power that rejects,

archaic notions, prevalent ignorance, 

and a drive, to spread awareness. 

A noble cause, yet many fails,

when invested with ulterior motives,

with elevated sense of ego or pride,

being dismissive of other's perspectives. 

We might assume it as our wisdom,

unaware, of having early conclusions, 

when our understanding is incomplete, 

not well researched, nor updated study. 

The path of learning is ongoing, 

needs courage, confront our bias,

with open mind, accept contrary, 

while being respectful, to fallen beliefs. 

So, think again...

Before declaring, 

there's lot to know,

and it's empowering. 

Prophesies

It was sought, by ancient lives,

finding guidance, in uncertain times,

with wars, diseases, natural disasters,

made living unpredictable & precarious. 

Prophecies... 

Foretelling future events

or revealing divine will,

through the oracles,

delivering cryptic messages. 

From kingdoms to religions,

they were voices of civilizations, 

where sages discern patterns,

priests would make predictions. 

Some were infused with astronomy, 

while others, supernatural entities, 

that conveyed warnings or promises,

influencing choices, decisions taken.l 

Both ruler and commoners, 

using it as channel of communication, 

with deities, spirits, universal energies, 

and so, changes course of our history.

Bar koli

Ber, these Indian plums,

ripening in winter seasons,

laden in spiny, evergreen trees,

they are indeed a delicacy.

Just after Saraswati Puja,

my eyes are looking for them,

trying to relive childhood memories, 

of relishing their sweet & tangy flavors. 

With crispy skin, soft flesh,

the seeds can cause inconvenience,

biting, slurping, sucking them dry,

grab new one, for another try!

My favorites are ones raw,

mixed with salt and chili,

while achar (pickles) are special,

including varieties of candies & chutney.

Bar koli, these enjoyable berries,

might not be as popular today,

still refreshes nostalgic emotions, 

while providing health benefits.

In good faith...

Most of our connections,

with business or in relations,

were built over invisible threads, 

that weathers difficult phase,

if followed, in good faith. 

For, trust being the foundation, 

demands conformity in actions,

when we are sincere and honest,

without any hidden motives,

of taking unfair advantage. 

The underlying belief in righteousness, 

determines the characters we play,

when we treat others fairly, 

not exploit the loopholes,

undermining spirit of agreement. 

For, when intentions were pure,

and follow standard procedures,

we give due care and attention,

to perform tasks, without fear,

promoting transparency. 

In good faith...

Demands our integrity, 

being committed fully,

with strong convictions,

to treat everyone fairly. 

And that's how we develop,

as nation, society & individuality!

I am not versed, but I will try

I am not versed, but I will try,

in dance of hearts, I won't lie, 

there are concerns, I am shy,

still, in our journey, I could fly,

if we work together. 

A man of soil, I don't sell dreams,

but hold the ground, you walk free,

nothing fancy, life out of ordinary, 

an atmosphere, filled with simplicity, 

would become our routine. 

I am not versed, but I will try,

look at world, through your eyes,

follow interests, and I will apply,

accompany you, to become high,

have enriching experiences. 

A cautious person, take few risks, 

prefer comfort, secure my peace,

it might get boring sometimes, 

we could add spices for a while,

indulging in pleasures. 

I am not versed, but I will try,

so, don't dismiss my significance, 

if there's a chance, then not deny,

let our feelings soar the sky,

when you welcome it inside. 

Withdrawn

They were cheerful, jolly being,

spreading smiles, when they meet,

yet, realities struck, hit them hard

bringing array of disappointments. 

Then are the shy, introvert ones,

keeping distance, live in own world,

finding escapes, from the crowd,

drifting further away, as years pass. 

While some, facing unforeseen events,

getting diseased, making life changes,

making it difficult, participate in activities, 

limitations pause, with missed opportunities. 

Withdrawn... 

The souls preferring isolation,

having negative social experiences, 

instill fears, causing apprehensions, 

and mind develops, coping mechanisms. 

And we could see subtle signs,

as they display changing personalities, 

canceling plans, avoiding gatherings,

preferring solitude to social outings. 

Withdrawn... 

They need understanding, 

with love and encouragement, 

creating enough openings, 

for them to allow, seek connections... 

And not let temporary emotions,

turn into a vicious cycle!

In our silence, we could trace

In our silence, we could trace, 

feelings once born, left out of grace,

nurtured, treasured, kept in hearts,

still, couldn't stand trial of time. 

The world moves on,

marching towards a future bright,

and we walk, stride by stride,

giving attention, to goals at sight. 

Yet, we stumble, fall behind,

each milestone, acting as blinds,

sprouting discontent, apprehensions, 

and affecting, our peace of mind. 

And we reminisce, our past years,

precious memories, we hold dear

yet buried deep, out of desperations,

of following dreams, worldly aspirations. 

In our silence, we could trace,

emotions which flows, fill the space,

when we realize, prices we paid,

while hanging, from a thin thread...

Between storms and inner void.

Mahaprasad

There's something special,

about making simple food,

into divine offerings. 

Mahaprasad...

Devotional offerings to deities, 

when shared among devotees,

creates a sacred space within. 

Following ancient traditions, 

using earthen pots & firewood,

and sold in temple premises.

Then there are times,

being freely distributed, 

to poor and needy.

Yet, here each morsel,

makes our heart content, 

while filling the stomach.

Limited spice & condiments,

having restrictions in elements, 

still brings magical taste.

Mahaprasad...

In those moments,

everyone comes together,

to partake in big gatherings. 

And I wonder, how special it is,

pure & sacred, these God's gifts,

letting us experience, soulful bliss!

© Dr. Manish Rout