Standing in the queue

Standing in the queue, 

among many of fellow residents, 

waiting for my turn,

to fill the tank with petrol,

as there's artificial scarcity,

for, caution fueling panic buying.

In the crowds, there's chaos,

intense heat adding pressures, 

some shout, some are patient, 

putting blame on the government,

for not helping, doing enough,

to mitigate ongoing crisis. 

And I wonder, how countries fare,

a global turmoil, bearing the brunt, 

increasing taxes, putting restrictions,

and their citizens, silently following,

knowing the efforts, made concessions, 

which had kept the economy stable.

Then I see, such complaining,

feeling of entitlements, even subsides, 

blind to shockwaves, creating the ripple,

playing victims, of unprovoked assault,

when their comfort is compromised,

due to price correction & waiting line.

Aggression in games

It's interesting to observe,

a change in people's behaviors, 

becoming aggressive in games,

who once were polite & courteous.

And we wondered, were they fake,

maintaining facade, while hiding intent,

but in reality, responding to triggers,

which influences biological changes.

The most changes we would see,

in high-tension situations in games,

where they finally win over competition,

releasing surge of dopamine & testosterone. 

For, here, in this temporary world,

there's no fear of social consequences, 

with own set of rules and regulations, 

where dominance won't damage reputation. 

Anything can happen in heat of moment,

when we lose our sense of self-awareness, 

if provided with safer environment, 

we can be released of mental inhibitions. 

So, when you see the aggression,

remember they are performing rituals,

of claiming status, signalling competence, 

a show of power, lacking in real life. 

Provability

Modern theories hinge on provability, 

requiring us to demonstrate hypothesis, 

for making it acceptable to the masses.

One of the major challenges, 

that afflicted ancient systems, 

were to test scientific conceptions. 

For, they had limited in resources,

of equipment & intellectual landscape,

prevented by lack of accessibility.

So, people believed knowledge bestowed, 

by the leaders and respected individuals, 

never to be subjected with scrutiny. 

Carried on the shoulders of visionaries, 

there were fewer proponents for discoveries,

concentrated in specific fields of interest.

Thus, with availability of information, 

drastic changes in education systems,

we have more options and instructions.

So, we experiment with documentation, 

under supervisions & proper guidance,

for us to observe, learn, and confirm. 

Provability...

We may have steered away from intuitions, 

but become practical with clarifications, 

leading our path on right directions. 

Virtuous shrewdness

It's difficult sometimes, 

to manage our relationship,

without navigating through, 

intellectual scrutiny. 

Virtuous shrewdness...

Not cold or manipulative,

situations demands us to be perceptive, 

of underlying reasons or intentions,

when we deepen our connections. 

To see the world as it is,

while standing where we want to be,

being practical, with a conscience, 

we build our trust with clarity.

Our mind scans for inconsistencies, 

structural weaknesses & hidden motives, 

still heart remain open, more welcoming, 

when we have set our boundaries. 

Virtuous shrewdness...

Let us not harbor the guilt,

when we are creating safe environment, 

wearing an armor over vulnerabilities, 

to survive in this complex world,

Protecting relationships...

I don't ask for much

I don't ask for much,

just your undivided attention, 

when we meet, when we talk,

caring deeply my heart.

For, our time is limited,

with priorities shifting, 

every time we lose interests, 

or pursue better alternatives. 

Something are not entertainment, 

might have issues to be addressed,

we harbor misgivings for absence, 

of desired qualities we expected.

There are also insecurities, 

act as barriers against disclosures, 

differences were being emphasized, 

to provide opening for evasion. 

So, I understand uncertainties, 

it takes time to be convinced,

but nothing sustains for long,

if we lack sincerity in involvement.

I don't ask for much, 

still hope you to devote,

be present in conversations, 

receptive of our concerns.

Only then, the path will open...

Vacant

Vacant,

dreams seem distant,

I don't remember, 

when was the last time,

I awakened,

to exuberance...

Wistful, 

gazing through the windows,

reflecting on memories,

buoyant heart slowly receding, 

enclosing itself in a shell, 

of indifference...

Excellence, 

sought in performance, 

being rudely awakened, 

to its fragile existence, 

burdens being shifted, 

on individual liability. 

Adjustments,

weakening resistance, 

fragments of heart's cries 

buried or being abandoned, 

when process feels taxing,

survival gains prominence.

Resigned, 

treading on sacrifices, 

layering with resilience, 

hollow out feelings, 

for better outcomes, 

still being betrayed.

And moments stayed...

Forming patterns!

When I play

When I play,

in tedious days,

there's nothing going,

in my way,

and I find,

something exciting,

for entertainments, 

or as distractions, 

from dull moments. 

When I play,

I find it amusing, 

sometimes nostalgic, 

rush of adrenaline, 

in the adventures,

of this pixel world,

changing platforms,

but spirit remains,

to clear obstacles. 

When I play,

I feel satisfied, 

still there's a guilt, 

of passing time,

being unproductive, 

in my adult lifestyle,

still, I am tempted,

when not occupied, 

there's a charm...

In games, I try!

River wastes

One of the major challenges, 

we face when wastes accumulated,

obstruct channels, clogging drains,

contaminated water polluting sources,

from flowing rivers to the oceans. 

River wastes...

Population grow in fast pace,

municipality & authorities trails,

chasing ever-increasing demands,

with illegal dumping & disposals,

being continuing headaches. 

Earlier administrations showed apathy,

and residents, remained indifferent, 

to the gradual deterioration of habitats,

from careless approach, incompetency,

to preserve our land & wildlifes. 

But now, people have awareness, 

having access to modern technologies,

to segregate, and provide treatment, 

before being distributed to consumers. 

River wastes...

They will create havoc,

if neglected long enough, 

but with right guidance, 

can transform lifestyles,

while protecting ecosystems. 

Challenges of changing demographics

A shocking realization,

an undeniable truth,

some countries facing,

population collapse, 

and with it comes,

difficult choices to be made!

Clash of generations, 

dragging into the fray,

nation that wants to survive,

develop and make progress, 

yet, getting much harder,

for balance to be maintained. 

For, it's really a challenge, 

to address underlying problem,

when managing aging population, 

with fewer children being born,

while resisting immigration, 

needed to solve shrinking workforce.

It's natural to fear changes,

encountering incompatible cultures,

which invade their treasured spaces,

gradually diluting traditional values,

bearing the brunt of the outcomes, 

through encroachments & homogenization. 

So, symptoms seen in sporadic incidences,

as leaders follows prevailing sentiments, 

rise of conservatism in local residents, 

alienation of skilled labor & migrants,

putting pressure on various services,

further damages future prospects. 

Many have shifted to automation, 

increasing retirement age of population, 

encouraging young to become parent,

through incentives & reducing barrier,

while allowing the ones who integrated, 

sincerely promoting grand vision...

Of national identity.

Culmination of efforts

You might feel bound,

to the things that surrounds,

never providing much relief, 

sometimes doubting beliefs, 

walking in this journey of life. 

Starting from the harshest conditions 

you slowly rise in your positions, 

with hardships, tiring your mind,

seeking escapes from daily grinds,

still delaying, a lack of confidence. 

You exchange pleasantries, 

while being envious of accessories,

just for appearance, not functionalities, 

when you have bare necessities, 

being part of your living.

There are reasons to celebrate, 

feeling the joy and happiness,

only if glimpses of affluence,

make you question your virtuosity, 

working against your interests.

Years spent, decades were gone,

sacrifices made, relinquished aspirations,

struggle seem futile, losing your zeal,

becoming mechanical, even docile,

to not enforce opinions, your will.

One day, your relentless chase 

brings you closer to cherished goals,

where others might falter or fail,

you arrive unscathed, strengthened, 

for, every effort was added.

So, don't stop, as you tread,

remain humble, rectify mistakes, 

there might be frustrations, 

but never surrender, nor break, 

there's blessing waiting...

It's the same earning

It's the same earning,

accumulating heap of money,

showing off their talents,

of their mind or bodies...

Yet, what matters the most,

is the intentions and purpose,

of collecting large hoards, 

spending in genuine cause.

Some say, it's for family,

fulfilling long term goals,

of having security or possessions, 

spreading goodwill through donations.

Others strive for higher purpose, 

investing them for conservations, 

of vulnerable species & ecosystems, 

preserving heritages with sincerity. 

Yet, most chase materialistic benefits, 

acquired by attaining better positions,

providing them power to dominate,

indulging in every form of luxuries. 

It's the same earning,

but people follow the currents,

social expectations or passion inherent, 

flourishing in conductive environment. 

So, tell me...

What provides the best feelings?

An era of transformation

An era of transformation, 

coming from punching of fingers,

manifesting hopes and wishes,

through the medium of elections. 

Voting for change, 

when citizens assert,

make the powerful listen,

their deepest concerns.

And we see breakthroughs, 

shaking foundations of thrones, 

new leaders are being elevated,

to take the path of reforms.

Those who resist the waves,

being on a strong footing,

they have works to show,

to retain trust of subjects.

There's cheers, there are heartbreaks, 

we can pray, victory of righteousness, 

perception varies among masses,

still, vision converge on national interests. 

An era of transformation, 

we have seen this referendum, 

only time will tell the difference, 

that new leaders will bring.

P.S. We had election result here in India,

bringing surprises where ruling parties lost and new faces emerged.

Honey-tongued

 You wanted sweet talks,

coming from my mouth,

a smoother layer added,

pleasing to your ears.

Demanding my words,

to replicate your thoughts, 

being similar in ways,

or turning over a new leaf.

Honey-tongued...

I haven't learned,

of sugarcoating things,

even in my hesitations, 

I keep expressions unadorned. 

Believe me I had tried,

learn phrases, soften edges,

as delicate as possible,

lay tenderly to your heart.

Still, somewhere I missed,

valuing sustainability over gratification, 

conveying both qualities and concerns, 

before proceeding for assimilation. 

So, forgive me for disappointments, 

catching your fancy from surface,

not going the extra mile,

expected from your suitor.