Perpetual waiting room

Holding out for someday,

when coast is finally clear,

to live more authentically,

without worries or fears,

and fulfill all of my wishes,

of having experiences. 

There were expectations, 

being bound to obligations, 

not having time or fortunes,

to fuel my expeditions,

while days were spent,

add savings or preparations. 

Before long, getting comfortable, 

maintain status quo, while fantasizing, 

projecting dreams in fictional world,

short outings breaking monotony, 

anything more being ambitious, 

demanding sacrifices or risking objections. 

Years passed, opportunities pass by,

adding guilt & regrets to the inventory, 

watching others complete the quests,

reap the benefits of their efforts,

while I was lagging, level not rising,

stranded alone with wishful thinking...

In my perpetual waiting room!

Introspection

We need introspection, 

bit of self-reflections, 

evaluating our actions,

before facing outside world. 

One can't grow up, 

by living in their thoughts,

everything good happens,

when actions followed words.

Emotions are a wonderful thing,

but reality works on practicality, 

where efforts and contributions, 

are essential to build trust.

So, let's carry goodness in heart,

while pursuing desired goals,

giving attention, sincere intentions, 

our honesty becoming the proof...

For universe to respond.

Home : Freedom or prison

 For most of us,

Home is an emotion,

being a restorative sanctuary,

within a turbulent world.

And I wonder,

what are the conditions,

which provides us freedom,

or sometimes, become prison?

The most important part,

in the dwellings, are inhabitants,

their quirks, habits, routines, 

and interpersonal relationships. 

For, it provides warmth & safety,

where we could show vulnerabilities, 

dropping our social masks,

to enjoy & relax, without judgments. 

Yet, here lies inherent limitations, 

if there are conflicts & hyper-criticisms, 

constant disrespect, ignoring boundaries, 

where every moment, feels draining. 

Then again, some tasks & obligations, 

consumes energy, demand our attentions, 

when free time used in giving services, 

of greetings, support, & maintenances.

We have to see the environment, 

house structures, our surroundings, 

living in apartment, independent homes,

staying isolated or gated communities. 

Shared walls, noisy neighborhoods,

impacts our peace and freedom, 

inherited homes brings some security, 

rented or mortgaged have some concerns.

Home: Freedom or prison

It depends on how we perceived, 

even small rooms feel warm & cozy,

while bigger villas cold and empty,

that gradually become suffocating. 

In the end, we want that control,

physical structures or interpersonal, 

providing us spaces to assert power, 

choosing when to connect or retreat.

Zeigarnik effect

It's a curious thing,

of us keep returning,

continuing the daily streaks,

in apps, games, or shows,

before we know it,

we have made it a routine.

Zeigarnik effect...

First named by soviet psychologist,

a principle followed by human brain,

of remembering tasks incomplete, 

much better that things complete.

A survival trait from evolution,

is now being used to create tension,

by modern mediums & technologies, 

to never provide a sense of completion. 

We have checklists and progress bars,

displaying in games, for pursuing quests,

videos and reels, played in the loops,

by keeping the best for the last.

Even shows have utilized cliffhangers, 

an unfinished story, demanding attention,

a trapped mental state, wanting resolution, 

interrupting the flow, to influence decisions. 

Zeigarnik effect...

By taking advantages of this tendency,

they captured loyalty of the followers, 

slowly taking away thrill and enjoyment, 

as if continuing out of obligations...

Leaving behind a hollow feeling!

Greed is unquenchable

What is the drive,

that keeps them going,

having fulfilled needs,

still keep stealing, 

when they get chance,

to have easy money?

No place is spared,

corruption thrives everywhere, 

in the corridors of power,

or modest neighborhoods, 

when given free reins,

even sacred spaces were spoiled.

It is natural to aspire for more,

as opportunities are sought,

to increase financial status, 

catering to family's requirements, 

by sometimes bending rules,

for personal advantages. 

It always begins small,

then become slippery slope,

crossing their ethical boundaries, 

by exploiting some loopholes,

becoming bolder and bolder,

when there's no negative consequences. 

They rationalize, later trivialize, 

developing an illusion of control,

blinding them to the inevitability, 

as their confidence grows,

the vessels of sin were filled,

till they were discovered.

Greed is unquenchable, 

an endless hedonic treadmill,

never to make you satisfied,

as you sink into the darkness,

losing honor, respect, integrity, 

tormented by conscience. 

At someone's mercy

How does it feel,

to be at someone's mercy,

when your life breathes, 

at someone's whim and fancy...

We have seen through history,

how power enforced subordination, 

be natural world, or human civilizations, 

dictating the modern landscape.

We have been ignorant, 

enclosed in our curated world,

fulfilling needs, seek conveniences,

to ever examine the processes. 

So, when we ever encounter, 

we understand the price paid,

for our food, shelter, development,

by snatching the rights of surroundings. 

Does our heart pains to see,

feeling powerless to change destinies,

when forests cleared, lands defiled,

ecosystems poisoned, killing organisms.

At someone's mercy...

We are part of this relentless onslaught, 

as active participant, or mute spectators, 

dampening the voices calling from within,

to stop, protest and protect...

These vulnerable existences!

Our invisible ceilings

We often stop,

from taking the leap,

when there's considerable gap,

between expectations & realities. 

It also involves,

our deepest concerns, 

of what we lack,

the price to be paid.

Our invisible ceilings...

Limiting our potential, 

from attaining the goals,

which we have envisioned, 

still don't put the effort.

Provided with opportunities, 

we self-sabotage with activities, 

assuming rejections & failures, 

against perceived superiority. 

Yet, somewhere deep down,

we know our real value,

of the time, efforts, achievements, 

that brought us present positions. 

So, it becomes difficult to proceed,

carrying flaws, and shortcomings, 

still being proud to settle down, 

living a life of mediocrity. 

Our invisible ceilings...

It questions our worth,

acting as break, for our growth, 

confining us in a safe space, 

as world moves to a better place...

Without us!

Convictions : personal choices or conformity

I have always admired,

ones with strong principles, 

making conscious choices,

going against consensus,

holding to their morality. 

It's normal to passively adhere, 

rules of traditions & cultures, 

some may protest, act as rebel,

to project individual intentions, 

only few acting for larger good.

We have seen many examples,

being ridiculed for their decisions, 

a vegan diet in carnivorous lifestyles, 

or monogamy in liberated societies,

shows control and discipline. 

For, living in a vegetarian household,

having limited power and resources,

devoid of options or incentives to indulge,

we were naturally inclined to work,

in these restrictive environments.

So, I have always admired,

their commitments for the cause,

showing integrity of characters, 

by overcoming these temptations,

demonstrating self-mastery.

Why relationships break

Have we ever wondered, 

When feelings are mutual,

Why relationships breaks.

May be priorities are different, 

Having different goals,

But that doesn't causes,

Our feeling to fade,

Not the distance, 

Not the silence, 

But something deeper,

Influences...

By not putting effort,

While expecting from others,

Raising doubts,

By hiding intentions, 

Then lying, evading,

Blaming it on others,

When in reality,

Only serving self-interest,

Harboring negative attitude, 

By criticizing, make accusations, 

But when diving deeper,

It's about hiding insecurities, 

Not giving attention,

Or address genuine concerns,

But expecting rewards, 

Without making commitments,

Not mending the cracks,

Lack of sincere communication,

Yet, hoping bond to survive, 

Over a weak foundation. 

It takes years

It takes years, 

in honing the craft,

countless sacrifices,

to attain the top,

still facing shortage,

to fulfill envisioned goals.

It takes years,

dedicated to the service,

facing struggles & hardships,

undervalued, not compensated,

demotivated, lack of progress,

continuing, from fear or comfort.

It takes years,

waiting for the opportunity, 

exploring newer avenues, 

rationing time & resources,

adding revenue streams,

for managing households.

It takes years,

draining emotional energy,

physical strength exhausted, 

as if shackled in the chains,

of duties and responsibilities,

to never see dreams again.

It takes years,

only to witness the change,

entrepreneurial spirit of youth,

using modern technologies, 

to have financial gains,

even as a student!

And they rue, as they surrender, 

what's the point, of these years!

Lake waves

I sat on the bank,

of this serene lake,

watching the waves,

as breeze gently wakes,

dormant sentiments. 

A pleasant stream,

of colorful themes,

beneath vast cerulean skies,

lies expanse of verdant green,

as far as eyes could see.

People gather in a throng,

to witness this natural show,

as outings or explorations, 

for the adults and children, 

chatting, playing, having refreshments 

There were ferryboats in distance, 

taking groups for limited sightseeing,

create radiating ripples on the surface,

along with cacophony in backgrounds, 

they disturb the tranquility of place.

I watched the ducks resting,

in the elevated edges of earth,

huddled together in the corners,

having exhausted their energy,

dealing with water & prying eyes.

I sat on the bank,

away from the swarming crowds,

soaking the atmosphere in silence,

as wind whispers songs of land,

through the lake waves.

Bronchitis

A change of season,

humid, damp conditions, 

with dust and allergens, 

triggers airway inflammation. 

Bronchitis...

We see elderly and children,

feeling under the weather,

having dry cough & fever,

sometimes difficult breathing.

And we worry, about their health,

seeing them wincing in pain,

having sudden bouts of cough,

persisting for days or weeks.

Acute illness are self-limiting, 

when we give care properly 

adequate rest, plenty of fluid,

keeping them warm with coverings.

Bronchitis...

If we suspect something serious,

do visit clinics, for check-ups,

prevention is ideal, reducing the risks,

still medications can be necessary,

for serious ailments.

Don't rain

A mild drizzle, sprinkle drops,

forecasting, dark clouds overhead,

I rushed, taking out my bike,

trying to outrun, incoming rainfall.

Don't rain...

I prayed to divine powers,

to delay the inevitable showers, 

till I reach, arrive at destination,

with dry cloths and footwear.

I picked up the pace,

hearing rumble of distant thunder,

navigating through the traffic,

cursing the slower vehicles.

I could smell the moisture, 

a hint of pleasant petrichor, 

but my mind is occupied, 

in covering distance to my home.

A sudden flash, followed by roar,

I got caught, in a downpour,

drenched from head to toe,

not enough time to wear raincoat!

I found refuge under makeshift shed,

watching the relentless sheet of gray,

soaked to the bone, shivering in the chill,

as puddles formed, trees sway violently.

Don't rain...

I whispered one last time,

then admired this monsoon surprise,

as nature itself comes alive,

when sky and earth entwined.

Who am I to stop this union,

for my own convenience!