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!

Communication in relationships

We aspire for healthier relations,

which was carried with devotions, 

nothing harms the bond formed,

for, love strengthens the foundations. 

Yet, there are many situations,

that cracks open, infusing poisons,

when doubts and assumptions, 

replaces trust, with suspicions...

For, there's lack of communication. 

Without honest & sincere conversations, 

individual will guess, interpret the actions,

frequent misunderstandings & disagreements, 

creates conflicts, from minor arguments. 

And it would leave, lasting impressions, 

initiating & promoting, mental isolations,

resentments grows, taking toll on emotions,

while the distress, increases frustrations. 

Yet, those employing dishonest means,

withheld information, manipulate beings,

take advantages of other's insecurities, 

destroys the very essence of relationship. 

For, with communication, we do realize, 

understand needs, address issues of lives,

making consensus, with clarity of mind,

to sustain our relationship, for a long time!

4 days a week

Society is pushed to the brinks,

when we suppress bare necessities, 

for sake of control over profits, 

rather than rise holistically. 

And, these breaks become evident,

in form of extremes of circumstances, 

putting pressure on young minds,

either surrender, escape or hide. 

Population is on a steady rise,

with migrations, for a better life,

putting pressure on urban dwellings, 

exploiting resources, for better living. 

Yet, here, the danger arrives,

likes of stress, unhealthy lifestyles, 

while addictions were on the rise,

adversely impacting families & society. 

So, policymakers are in a bind,

how to solve, problems they find,

there's a limit, they could provide,

it's the people, who have to strive. 

So, here, I have a proposition, 

enforce "4 days a week" work culture,

creating double vacancies in jobs,

while providing valuable free time... 

To be used for important roles,

with family, interests or chores,

giving them moments of respite,

in this rush, to only survive.

Oxygen

Our life in this planet,

became possible due to oxygen,

promoting aerobic respiration, 

among various lifeforms,

for generating energy. (ATP) 

Primordial earth was difficult,

with limited free oxygen in air,

so, anaerobic were flourishing, 

until the rise of cyanobacteria,

causing great oxygenation event. 

There were mass extinctions, 

followed by period of fluctuations, 

where oxygen concentration rose,

leading to emergence of insects,

subsequently reptiles & mammals. 

Trees were massive, large hoards, 

due to high oxygen & carbon dioxide,

yet, concentration decline with time,

now, become ideal for human life,

as we inhale and utilize them. 

Oxygen... 

We need to preserve the balance,

for maintenance of the equilibrium, 

or hypoxia causes, loss of our organs,

while hyperoxia, oxidative damages,

impairing cellular functions. 

A shallow person

They called him shallow, 

focused on superficial things,

never could become mellow,

valuing deeper qualities. 

Was he too stubborn, 

in his decisions, and leanings, 

being arrogant, opinionated,

in conducts, and his dealings? 

Everyone defined his character,

been considered difficult personality, 

seldom included into picture,

when expecting social gatherings. 

There were kind persons, 

trying to understand his will,

but lost interest or concern,

facing challenges in this climb. 

No one could have realized, 

it was those walls he built,

wary of becoming civilized, 

by suppressing tender feelings 

They called him shallow,

when he was perceptive, 

having personal preferences,

to make him receptive... 

For, he was just an eccentric. 

Storytelling

Before the advent of writing,

there were spoken narratives,

passed down through generations  

and treasured as oral traditions. 

Storytelling... 

There was once a time,

people gathered around fires,

family circles or village squares,

for having immersive experiences. 

It was an intimate affair,

where narrator engaged with audience,

through gestures, modulation, & sound,

even adding music to create atmosphere. 

Popular among young and old,

as their way to escape from boredom,

warming hearts when world was cold,

spreading joy, providing entertainment. 

Yet, they were medium of education, 

sharing knowledge, & moral lessons,

preserving history, legends & myths,

that were part of native cultures. 

Storytelling... 

Has changed in modern age,

that once strengthened community, 

now being faded from our memories, 

printed in books, transmitted in radios,

and consumed, across various platforms...

As passive viewers.

Circling around

Round and round,

just circling around,

not getting honest,

to speak it aloud. 

Here and there,

our conversations fares,

when fertile minds,

made barren & bare. 

Glistening surfaces,

been sugary coated,

concealing the anguish, 

fearing aftereffects. 

Still words comes out,

from our sealed mouth,

conveying deeper intentions, 

clearing any doubts. 

So, let's lose pretense, 

we know the reasons, 

as communication faltered, 

when we wanted comprehension...

By circling around.

Sultry

Seductive,

your voice captivates,

make me lose my senses,

being smitten to the charms,

falling deeply, in your embrace. 

Hypnotizing,

you enchant my heart, 

with whispers of soft sighs, 

burning with yearnings,

for passionate nights. 

Anticipations, 

excitements fill mind,

of desires deep inside,

exploring things we hide,

those intimate grinds. 

Soothing, 

calming my thoughts,

enveloped in your warmth,

there's something magical, 

about your presence. 

Sultry... 

The richness of your tone,

make me crave it more,

causing surge of emotions, 

and I wish to keep listening,

drowning, in this fever dreams.

In silence, I prefer to stay

In silence, I prefer to stay,

preserve peace, over noisy displays,

undisturbed, I could focus on crafts,

exploring interests, devote to works,

or spend time, in deep reflections. 

There are distractions coming our way,

life can be hectic, we don't have a say,

so, I keep safe, these precious moments, 

spent in leisure, recreations, or rest,

after daily routines, rewarding myself. 

In silence, I prefer to stay,

sacrificed pleasures, ambitions delayed,

not just to cling to comfort zone, 

but actively create place to relax, 

that eases, my strained heart. 

Some say, it's a sin,

to be slothful, become lazy,

that slows, dims the intellect,

while increase, sensitivity to sounds,

making us dull and intolerant. 

In silence, I prefer to stay,

knowing the ills, that may betray,

my principles, and aesthetics, 

and desires, for a company,

as long as, it keeps worries at bay.

Being independent

It's something many aspire to be,

seeking escape from supervision, 

desire to remain wild and free,

not pulled down by traditions. 

Being independent... 

It's normal in many cultures,

being frowned upon in other's,

dictated by dreams & aspirations, 

or depends on family circumstances. 

It teaches us to face challenges, 

become responsible, learning skills,

getting matured, as we learn things,

accustoming to social expectations. 

Yet, it comes with challenges,

changing our routines & interests, 

in our dietary and sleeping habits,

while indulging in harmful lifestyle. 

Many grow into functioning adults,

some fall into despair, without support,

being exposed to bad companies,

without censure, or proper guidance. 

Being independent... 

And I wonder which path is better,

to influence our growth & maturity. 

Battle for superiority

Battle for superiority, so tragically unfold,

the tales of valiant, risen and fallen,

when stubborn clash, of lofty ideals

became the grave, of innocent lives. 

They talk of peace and securities, 

that shows glimpses of bright future,

unbeknownst to the gullible souls,

they were making pact with devils. 

Human ethics becomes the sacrifice,

for preserving prestige, swollen pride,

while insecurities used to instigate,

charged emotions of the masses. 

Tit-for-tat, seeking vengeance, 

perceived threats, genuine concerns,

find outlets, through various reactions,

when justice is denied or overdue. 

Yet, there are always some backers, 

who finances, or trigger the events,

to activate fault lines, promote conflicts, 

for regional, and geopolitical gains. 

Battle for superiority, there's no winner,

leaving behind trails of devastation,

uncertainties looms, spreading miseries, 

there's no good end to such stories.