Cuteness of predators

Have we ever noticed,

distribution of our love,

when we adore animals,

be it children or adults,

for, most of us gravitate, 

towards the predators. 

The calf, chick, fawns,

have endearing features,

but antics of pup & kittens,

just steals our heart,

a fondness that persists,

even when they got older.

For, it's evolutionary wiring, 

affecting human psychology, 

getting tricked by facial features, 

which were closer to infants,

forward facing eyes, high forehead, 

involuntarily trigger nurturing instincts. 

The predators are more expressive, 

using flexibility of facial muscles, 

while rounded, padded paws,

reminding us of our hands,

adding their mischiefs & plays,

practice hunting skills . . .

But we are slain!

Every animal have their cuteness,

still, predators have us fascinated, 

by their curiosity, by their fierceness, 

stripped of its dangers,

to become our playmate.

Nature vs nurture

Is it our nature that dictates,

engagement with certain subjects,

or our character is determined,

by nurturing of specific interests. 

For, we have our temperament, 

innate qualities existing from birth,

being promoted by our guardians,

and influenced from environment. 

Yet, there's also external factors,

from peers to changing circumstances, 

curiosity, setbacks, developing interest,

gradually molding person's traits.

When over-investing in specific domains,

we start adopting cognitive frameworks,

narrowing our perceptions of reality,

reducing thresholds of impulsiveness. 

Yet, we can't discount base nature,

our core drivers, determining preferences, stimulus triggers latent predisposition, 

our immersion acting as the catalyst. 

Nature vs nurture

There's no single answer,

it's a dynamic feedback loop,

deciding shift of behaviors, 

or lack thereof.

 

Raksha Bandhan

On the full moon day of Shravan,

we celebrate this sacred festival,

honoring family and sibling affection,

through the promise of Raksha Bandhan.

Raksha and Bandhan, have deep value,

a vow to protect, the bond we treasured, 

as families gathered, for special ritual,

where sister tying Rakhi to brothers.

Rakhi, these sacred threads,

now are colorful, aesthetic designs,

simple strips to decorated beads,

representing prayers for long, happy life.

Accompanied by sweets and Aarti,

as sister apply colorful mark (tilak),

of vermilion & rice on brother's forehead,

circling small earthen lamp over his face.

She doesn't need anything in return,

a promise of protection & his support,

still receive token of gifts, cash or clothes, 

as they feed each other sweets & chocolates. 

Raksha Bandhan...

Time have changed, sentiments still remain,

reviving connections, strengthening every season,

tradition transforming into universal language,

when we tie threads, to ones we respect.

Be it community leaders, friends, or heroes.

Endearing

You were so sweet,

with adorable character, 

every time we interact,

my heart is charmed.

Endearing...

From be moment I glanced,

I was showered with warmth, 

your unconditional kindness, 

made me lower the guard.

What is this fuzzy feeling,

as if laying on soft grass,

gentle breeze streaming,

sunlight filters through branches.

You're calming, nurturing tone,

dispels my worries and gloom,

finding peace, love, & security, 

you act like a comforting room.

You are the epitome of strength,

still so humble, being empathetic,

when you listen, and encourage,

cheering me with sincere words.

Endearing...

You arrive like a blessing,

I bow to your feminine beauty,

your virtuosity is infectious, 

making me seek your company. 

For, every moment spent with you,

becomes my cherished memories!

 

Role of mascots

We loved the characters, 

created by brands or events,

making them more appealing, 

to us visitors & audiences. 

Mascots...

Built for instant recognitions, 

leaving behind lasting impressions, 

when we see their figures,

we instantly link with the promoters.

Yet, there's something deep,

the company using the tricks,

transforming into something friendly,

that's fun and approachable. 

For, most of them are dry,

having no personality to sway,

so they create visual anchors,

to capture much needed attention.

And mascots act as ambassadors, 

that never age, have versatile features,

evoking nostalgia, in every generation,

as their image remains forever.

Role of mascots...

They still rely on the popularity, 

or were forgotten, facing scarcity, 

effective in persuading the crowd,

but the quality needs to astound...

For its charm to work!

Human-wildlife boundaries

 Which of the model protect,

allowing ecosystems to flourish, 

preserving floras and faunas, 

in the era of development. 

Human-wildlife boundaries...

We have seen countries, 

segregating, with strict boundaries, 

with designated nature reserves,

fully separated by human activities. 

It does help, when they have cleared,

exhausting resources, with extermination, 

of any lifeform in their vicinities, 

to have a clean, orderly civilization. 

Then there are developing countries, 

primarily relying on farming or foraging, 

where these boundaries are blurred, 

and follow principles of coexistence.

While some countries display tolerance, 

even if population increases resistance, 

providing ample space for wildlifes, 

to survive in shared landscapes.

Each side have their drawback,

geographical isolation minimizes conflict,

undisturbed habitat for sensitive species,

but confining or displacing creatures,

that require migrations for genetic diversity.

Coexistence & tolerance provide cushions,

still prone to economic losses & casualties, 

when there are unrestricted interactions, 

leading to gradual ecological degradation. 

Human-wildlife boundaries...

Now most countries developed policies, 

pursuing conservations across nationalities, 

what matters is proper implementation, 

to create a balance...

Where natural world finds sanctuary. 

Nervous smile

I wish to smile naturally, 

a quality I admire earnestly, 

something I miss mostly,

when I tried consciously, 

miss creating it perfectly.

Nervous smile...

I wondered the reasons,

what changes the season,

these shifting internal climate,

clashing with social dictum,

activating reflex mechanisms.

It's rarely genuine happiness, 

or signalling our disinterests, 

rather means deeper conflicts,

encountered uncomfortable situations, 

manifesting on our faces.

In social gatherings & interactions, 

we are expected to be polite & warm,

even if feeling shy, or embarrassed, 

we have to gentle, be inconspicuous, 

instinctively using it as buffer.

Then, there are such times,

we process difficult situations, 

in griefs, distress, emotional pain,

experiencing cognitive overload,

we use masks, to sooth or suppress.

Nervous smile...

It's never in isolation, 

but collision of inner emotions, 

of fear, sadness or embarrassment, 

clashing with social obligations, 

we develop the trait...

As brain's defense mechanism!

Health doesn't see status

We have outsourced,

every physical requirements,

cleaning, cooking, commuting, 

even moving simple objects,

from occasional help,

it became default baseline,

now these privileges,

are impacting our life.

We are saving time,

using it for important work,

but deep down we know,

it's just an excuse,

trading for screen time,

furthering sedentary life,

either in home or work,

we are accumulating free time.

It's basic human biology, 

every task promoting functioning, 

in form of low intensity movements, (NEAT)

to keep metabolic health intact,

but we promote societal belief,

of conveniences being higher grounds, 

ignorant of the consequences, 

that complacency have brought...

For, health doesn't see status!

** NEAT : Non exercise activity thermogenesis

Short wait feels harder

My patience wears thin,

waiting becomes irritating, 

while performing the chores,

any delay can be limiting, 

to my calm demeanor. 

Yet, I don't have problems,

of waiting in the queues,

or pursuing long-term goals,

there are seldom frustrations, 

building in my heart.

So, I pondered on this feeling,

experiences of the uneasiness,

when I encounter some delays,

but ignore the same situations, 

accept setbacks in longer journeys. 

Maybe it's about expectations, 

instant results, without frictions, 

like loading websites, sending emails,

standing for checkouts, or in cafes,

our attention span gets short.

For, when destination is too far,

we have to accept, and prepare,

where hitch or snags don't trigger,

immediately ring alarm bells,

as the gap is too long.

Short wait feels harder,

become easier to be noticed,

brief delays break momentum, 

taking away our joy of completing, 

for, the threshold has reached!

Don't we love presents?

Don't we love presents?

The act of giving or receiving, 

excites us deep inside, 

bringing warm feelings,

when we find it gift wrapped.

Was it mystery, or excitements, 

adding surprise, of finding it out,

steadily building the suspense,

to be culminated with rewards,

of something we desired.

The process of the search, 

being a ritual, to deepen ties,

pouring emotions as we purchase, 

find something we could associate,

to be appreciated by the recipient.

And the ones, waiting to receive, 

unpredictability amplifies dopamine,

our brain love to solve puzzles,

while being valued, releases Oxytocin, 

altogether enhances the experience. 

Don't we love presents?

Untying of ribbon, tearing the paper,

opening the lid of the boxes,

feeling satisfied by the reveal,

even if the object have less appeal...

The old fish stays

The old fish stays,

which others play,

laughing & mocking, 

at his foolishness. 

"You have aged, gramp,

forgotten way of champs,

we find delicious treats,

when you are gulping air!"

The old fish ignored,

continued with the chore,

keeps an eye on juveniles, 

and shoal of fingerings. 

The fish swam further away,

frolicking & teasing, every day,

taking risks, enter shallow water,

for better food, and dwellings. 

But soon, most were hunted,

tricked by lure, surprised by traps,

witnessing horrors of companions,

being snatched away from surface.

The old fish smiled,

looked with vacant eyes,

"My scales are white, as I stayed,

learning from my mistakes."

Just be nearby...

I am not feeling good,

a bit tired, making me brood,

it could be fever or cold,

making me seek your company, 

just be nearby...

My body burning hot,

sometimes chills, sweats a lot,

lightheaded, unsteady on feet,

as glass slips from my grip.

I admit, I am at a loss,

as mind anticipate the worst,

fear invades, confidence falls,

I need your healing touch.

I imagine holding your hand,

your fingers stroking my hair,

soothing me with gentle voice,

my heart soaking your warmth.

You don't have to speak,

give me medicine or feed,

your presence is enough,

calming distress, loneliness...

I am vulnerable & weak,

in these moments, I might break,

so, hear my silent plea,

come closer, sit beside me,

just be nearby...

It's amusing, how tragedy plays

It's amusing, how tragedy plays,

like throw of dice, in hands of power, 

there's no place for individual rights,

to see dreams, aspire for better days.

Being oblivious, of cunning designs, 

there fate sealed, and hope resigned,

with no escape, grim reality awaits, 

any voice rising, is actively suppressed. 

For greater good, on righteous path,

taking revenge, for losses or insults,

overlooked as collateral damages, 

added or subtracted from statistics. 

The more fire, in heart & arsenals,

feeds their ego, blinding conscience, 

conducting meetings, taking credits,

for projecting dominance over weaklings.

It's not a burden, borne by few men,

but collective guilt, of our civilizations,

where millions and millions of lives,

being decimated, scarred for generations. 

It's indeed amusing, how tragedy plays,

with justifications, legitimacy facades,

when every hurt, cried, soul in despair,

want nothing but salvation...

A life of peace and security.