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 

Fear of thunder

Thunder, the distant rumble,

loud booms, crashing sudden,

accompanied by bright flashes,

stunning us, make us stumble,

and we run, seeking covers. 

It's not irrational, wanting to escape,

averting risks, of grievous consequences, 

finding shelters, away from open spaces,

and avoid vicinity, of taller structures,

providing conductive path, for electrical discharge. 

Human species may have learned, 

but other animals, have their intuitions, 

instinctively scared, scattering away,

or being vigilant, locating places,

when encountering, signs of lightening. 

Is it evolutionary or learned process,

triggering their fight or flight response, 

apprehensions of unpredictable nature,

with memories, from previous exposures,

creating a sense of helplessness. 

Thunder, it makes us shudder,

push panic button of inexperienced, 

still, it fascinates, evoke interests, 

when we discover, it's true essence...

The sheer magnificence, of the process!

Tree tunnels

There are places, captivates hearts,

of the travelers, crossing the place,

by forming natural architectures,

with surroundings, enhancing effect,

providing wonderful experiences. 

Tree tunnels... 

They are my favorite spots,

wherever I had encountered,

walking or driving on the road,

lined with trees either sides,

forming a canopy overhead. 

A refreshing break from cities,

like being enveloped with greeneries, 

with rows of trunks and branches,

creates unique sense of enclosure,

letting me immerse in nature. 

Shadows dance on the asphalt,

as sunlight filters through leaves, 

while foliage changes with seasons,

blooming flowers, and fruit yields, 

there's something new to relish. 

Tree tunnels... 

It's connection to natural world,

that evoke feeling of nostalgia, 

calming mind, giving us respite,

easing our stressed hearts,

while providing, much needed shade!

Being considerate

You will not lose face,

to give others some space,

understanding their perspectives,

before giving judgments. 

It's a sign of your maturity, 

when we protect their dignity, 

being empathetic to their needs,

while we protect our boundless. 

For, we all deserve respect,

not be insulated for our lack,

so we learn, to become tactful,

avoiding words or actions, that's hurtful. 

But, it not always an easy task,

varies with situations & temperament, 

building understanding takes time,

with our patience, and tolerance. 

So, let's be polite and kind,

raise awareness in our mind,

be respectful of other's sentiments,

when we discover the joy...

Of being considerate. 

Street dog problems

Since ancient times, they were there,

accompanying us, like our shadows,

wandering around human dwellings, 

becoming part of families & communities. 

They didn't ask much in return,

some leftovers, shades in weathers,

paying with their loyalty in return,

sacrificing themselves for our protection. 

But now, they were being blamed,

for the attacks, property damages,

even innocent actions were mistaken,

fearing of harms, or deadly diseases. 

There are statistics, which shows,

sporadic cases of mauling or rabies,

vulnerable of society being targeted,

by rogue packs or aggressive canines. 

Yet, not many delve on circumstances,

while pushing for their blanket bans,

severing sacred connections in this process,

between man and domesticated animal.

It's both cumbersome & cost intensive, 

breaking ecosystems, took years in making,

when solutions, can be more humane,

giving justice to both animals & people. 

So, I hope, good sense prevails,

and we find, amiable resolution.