Missed greetings

I keep forgetting, 

everytime needs reminding,

small hints and complainings, 

for this blunder...

Missed greetings...

I was preoccupied, 

been distracted this time,

having urgent works to do,

or I wouldn't have neglected. 

There are people keeping memos,

with mental notes, having demos,

to refresh, planning in advance,

leaving nothing to chance.

I do feel guilty, when I failed,

ruining such an important day,

when you are anticipating, 

something special coming your way.

So, I will not make any excuses,

greet properly, asking forgiveness, 

I might be late, but have well-wishes,

so, put a smile, it's time for celebration!

Staying honest

It's not easy to blend,

when society has requirements, 

to welcome us into it's fold,

by playing visible roles.

Staying honest...

I chose the difficult path,

to be transparent in my acts,

not lying, hiding my thoughts,

for personal advantages. 

I am not benevolent, 

been selfish for my turn, 

still, value other's contributions, 

not exploiting their goodwill.

So, I avoided such situations, 

limiting my involvement in activities, 

which might become unethical, 

swayed by lapse of judgments. 

Still, I understand circumstances, 

which forces others to take chances,

to pursue aspirations or obligations, 

that were contrary to my expectations. 

Staying honest...

I might be respectful for other's plights, 

wishing them happiness, as they rise,

still, be wary of deception and betrayals, 

when they show signs, having associations...

Which can have long-term ramifications. 

 

Peace or chaos?

"Better to be a dog in times of peace than a man in times of chaos" 

A Chinese proverb,

telling us something deep,

which the world today,

is lacking...

To be a dog in tranquility,

free from existential dread,

provided with comfortable living.

There's no sudden changes,

exposure to unpredictable weathers, 

stealing away peace and harmony. 

Chaos brings disturbances, 

putting immense toll,

on human consciousness.

Burdens of moral dilemmas,

navigating difficult choices,

forcing into hypervigilance.

Humanity with superior intellect,

could've prevented global unrest,

still corrupted by greed for power.

So, tell me, with limited capacity,

but maintaining equanimity, 

deprives them of growth...

Or truly become a luxury?

The essence of nature is to give

The essence of nature is to give,

return in full, what it received,

flowering plants, fruiting trees,

pays the price for what it needs.

What human calls food chains,

were the examples of that maintained,

from inorganic to organic matters, 

there's a presence of an invisible force.

The river flows to the oceans,

playing roles in water cycles,

and when we delve deeper,

every element goes through recycles. 

Oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air,

nitrogen, phosphorus in ecosystems, 

even rocks transforming with time,

going through geological activities.

The essence of nature is to give,

all organisms sustain another being,

creating a web of mutual reliance,

that is rooted in very design of life.

Yet, human being are sole exceptions, 

acting purely as consumers, 

having broken the sacred cycle,

destroying this delicate balance...

Which is difficult to reverse!

Efficient thinking

I don't know when it changed,

random thoughts became scant,

oscillating between extremes,

dopamine surge, or being productive.

Efficient thinking...

As I grew older, having exposures, 

climbing the ladders, focusing career, 

before long, filling specific contents,

restricting space for imaginations. 

It's natural for our reasonings, 

recognize patterns, process information, 

using mental shortcuts, early decisions,

maximize capacities, optimizing systems.

Society prefers the ones finding solutions,

having the skill set for crisis management, 

to become a cog in ceaseless machine,

necessary for the long-term survival. 

Yet, it does come with demerits, 

being susceptible to cognitive biases, 

while missing nuances, creative pursuits,

in my inclinations for over-simplification. 

Efficient thinking...

I am fortunate to have learned, 

still wish for exploring dimensions, 

diving into the creative artistry, 

beyond the boundaries of reasons.

Trophy travels

In old days, people stays,

living their life in one place,

where travelling is dangerous, 

and responsibilities, 

kept dreams at bay.

Trophy travels...

With advancements of technologies, 

we have reduced time for transit,

having every tool at our disposals, 

we are visiting newer locations,

for work, leisure and learnings.

Yet, there's growing narratives, 

of flaunting it as achievements,

creating a form of status symbol,

by gamification of visiting countries,

passport stamps as visual currency.

Now it's more tourists than explorers, 

vacationers were replacing seekers,

where casual visits were entertained,

to clear bucket list, adding memories, 

adding as feat of accomplishments. 

Trophy travels...

Even if the journey is exhausting, 

facing crowds, procedural delays,

they still attract ordinary people,

for the sense of personal growth,

when in reality, it's curated isolations. 

So, I wonder, 

What makes it as trophy, 

To be gloated upon?

El Niño and Monsoons

The arrival of monsoon delayed,

forewarning coming bad days,

our much loved monsoon,

is facing some interferences.

El Niño...

Abnormal warming of pacific oceans,

disrupting global atmospheric circulation,

as it influences, altering wind patterns,

pulling rainfall away from us Indians.

Cross-equatorial winds carried moisture,

with transforms into seasonal rainfall,

but these warming heavily suppressed, 

causing below normal, potential downfall.

These gloomy backgrounds are concerning,

but weak westerly winds weren't helping,

too disorganized to push moisture inland,

to replace vast stretches of clear skies.

And we worry, of severe dry spells,

as El Niño gradually gain strength,

impacting central & northern states,

of life dependent on monsoon rains.

White space

We were used to working,

by following schedules, 

where time is utilized, 

by planning & performing.

Yet, not all days are same,

sometimes we are occupied, 

sometimes remain free,

depending on demands met.

White space...

These deliberate gaps,

between meetings & tasks,

acting as buffer, mental reset,

or for planning & reflections. 

But, now things have changed,

with arrival of information age,

life became easier & convenient,

adding distractions in its place.

With constant flow of dopamine,

watching reels and playing games,

these empty moments being unsettling, 

increasing the feeling of restlessness.

Many create schedules, define boundaries, 

learn newer skills, refreshing knowledge, 

others include movements, and exercises, 

or just do nothing, taking power naps.

Bioluminescence

We have always been fascinated, 

by the flickering glow of fireflies,

lightening atmosphere in dark nights,

in the marsh, lakes and jungles,

but there's something more,

which capture our attentions, 

is seeing these shining colors,

emitting from living organisms. 

Bioluminescence...

From sunless depth of deep sea,

to terrestrial forest floors, it unveils,

mysteries hidden from our eyes,

as evolutionary tools of organisms,

as various forms of communication,

for offenses, defenses, mating rituals,

in shades of blue, green and yellow,

intriguing our sensory receptors.

And we are fortunate to learn,

through documentaries & researches, 

there's more concealed from eyes,

which are behind ethereal displays, 

be it chemicals, luciferin & photoprotein,

or complex relationships, between species,

like flashlight fish harboring bacteria,

or glowing mushrooms beneath soils.

Bioluminescence...

From survival instincts, to sheer aesthetics,

we truly are captivated by this masterpiece! 

Culture influences communication

There are cultural influences, 

in how we interact or converse,

some were loud & expressive,

others prefer quietness, being reserved.

Societal norms create perceptions, 

adding nuances on deeper engagements,

developing into communication styles,

for conveying closeness & enthusiasm. 

It varies with regions, races, classes, 

choices on leaders, work & lifestyles, 

where individuality & upbringings, 

were enhanced by beliefs & customs.

And we see, how people interact, 

while forming biases, in our hearts,

where certain sections were perceived, 

as being overbearing, or too distant.

It also changes with our tastes,

higher amplitudes, magnified presence, 

or avoid limelight, prioritizing silence, 

whichever feels real, piques our interests. 

So, cultures strongly influence,

how we interact or communicate, 

but its about personal choices,

of which way we want to express. 

Verbum sap

"Verbum sapienti sat est"

A word to the wise is sufficient, 

there's no need for elaboration, 

the ones perceptive & intelligent, 

can easily understand the situation.

We have been suffering for long, 

creating unnecessary scenarios, 

using roundabout languages,

to convey underlying emotions. 

People face struggles, people are lost,

without directions, guided to the posts,

choosing to blame, indulging in criticisms, 

than to reflect, on own shortcomings. 

There's no point of exaggerations, 

when path lies in having reflections, 

enhancing our discerning power, 

to detect underlying reasons. 

So, the true enlightened ones,

prefer silence to demanding attention, 

using subtle cues, brief gestures, 

to comprehend, and evaluate options. 

Verbum sap...

We gain it with experience,

having the discipline & patience,

deepening connections with surroundings, 

to attain the mastery over interactions. 

Inspired music : Theft or homage

We have fond recollections,

of the songs stirring emotions, 

those catchy beats, soft melodies, 

or great ones, being the support,

of our life's decisions. 

Growing up, we get attached, 

praise the magic of performance, 

a symphony of vocals & instruments, 

under the Midas touch of composers,

bestowed upon us average people. 

Yet, we discover the brutal truth,

secrets behind those masterpieces,

being stolen, copied from outside,

embellished with pieces for covers,

taking the credit of other's creations. 

It's not a theft, they argued, 

but paying homage, their tribute,

taking inspiration, using the chords,

for spreading the charm to masses,

by sampling, & re-imagining the tunes.

The universal appeal of music,

transcends ages and geography, 

we celebrate, share our favorites, 

in a way, to generate interests, 

what truly matters...

Our passion & intent!

Role of entertainments in civilizations

Since ancient times, 

humanity understood the values,

what entertainments play in life.

From chipped stones & mineral pigments, 

they carved primitive rock paintings, 

using oral narrations, clay tablets,

stories were shared among generations. 

Singing, dancing, creating folklore,

celebrating harvests, religious festivals,

commemorate events, grand occasions,

using sports and fights, off-seasons.

We see them developing separately, 

every region has its special traditions,

while it served as powerful glue,

transforming diverse groups, 

into cohesive society.

In the epics, rituals and performances,

we preserve history, promote values,

as they become living archives,

unifying codes, strengthening identity.

With expanding population, demographic changes,

came diverse opinions, individualized choices,

there were misgivings, of social hierarchies, 

while feelings needed some expressions.

So, leaders brought common stages,

from dramas, conflicts, and carnivals,

temporarily releasing social pressures, 

where everyone's experiences are equal.

Role of entertainment in civilizations, 

have only advanced with innovations,

and now deeply ingrained, 

as an important part of our lives!