Mamihlapinatapa

From yaghan people of southern America,

comes one of the most succinct word,

capturing complex social dynamics,

which doesn't rely on sounds.

Mamihlapinatapa...

A look shared, by two people,

each wishing, other to initiate,

something, that they both desire,

but neither is willing to begin.

We have encountered, unspoken silence, 

either have witnessed, or experienced,

in professions, gatherings, & romances, 

where situations push us into stalemate.

In meetings, volunteers were expected,

we look at others, for speak up first,

being with crush, stealing glances, 

fearing rejections & awkwardness.

In the fights, conflicts & disagreements, 

when we feel sorry, wanting forgiveness, 

making eye contact, still being hesitant, 

pride takes over, making us reluctant.

Mamihlapinatapa...

A deeper connect, for mutual understandings, 

shared acknowledgement, accepting vulnerabilities, 

sometimes, we need a profound reminder,

that communication happens, in quiet space.

Look in the mirror

Look in the mirror, 

before you judge,

life's not some questions, 

that you can dodge.

We have tendencies, 

to look at what benefits, 

ignoring concerns of others, 

before we start to preach.

Each one have their flaws,

very few willing to show,

hiding behind pretence, 

to protect fragile ego.

Those who acknowledge, 

willing to rectify mistakes, 

open the possibilities,

to evolve, to be awakened.

Still, we are too fixated,

to our wishes & expectations,

getting hurt from disappointments, 

when things didn't work out.

So, look in the mirror,

before you judge,

when you are no better,

in actions and thoughts. 

 

"Things will work out"

I have heard her say,

as if comforting worrying brain,

faced with setbacks and failures, 

she was overcome with dread.

It's therapeutic to ears,

reducing anxieties and fears,

when such affirmative sentences, 

dispel the gloom, evoke optimism,

providing space, for fostering resilience. 

"Things will work out"

I admired her convictions, 

still felt a sense of disillusionment, 

watching her wait for divine interventions, 

having no urgency to take actions, 

hoping the problem solves by itself.

Becoming passive is not the answer,

or dismissing yearnings & emotions, 

it takes years to build safety nets,

which could protect us from situations, 

where it didn't pan out as intended.

"Things will work out"

I let out a sigh,

when she uses it as charm,

admiring her positive outlook,

still feel for her wishful thinking, 

when realities can be hard.

Take your rest

Take your rest,

you have done your best,

now it's the time,

to relax and rejuvenate.

So, enjoy, laze around,

let me serve, hold your crown,

all your demands will be met,

today is your special day.

I know you might feel uneasy,

to break away from routines, 

trained your mind and body,

anticipate orders or biddings. 

Society works in a curious way,

even socialization is exhausting, 

here, you will not face expectations, 

every moment is your vacation.

Let's make this atmosphere serene,

as if watching turquoise oceans,

swaying palm fronds, crimson sunsets,

enjoying refreshments in tropical islands.

Or would you prefer emerald valleys, 

towering pine forests, mist-shrouded peaks,

melodic chirping, with rushing streams,

as if transported to some hill station.

Take your rest,

make the most of these moments,

have some delicacies, play games,

share your thoughts, lighten burden...

For, today, you are the guest!

Happy Raja Parba!!

Clothes maketh the man

A century-old proverb,

still stands to this day,

of society making opinions, 

and confidence we gain,

when we wear better dress.

In our upbringings, it is shaped,

from financial status, interests, 

being affiliated to institutions, 

might demand certain uniform,

until we were freed from obligations. 

So, it begins with personal freedom,

influenced by aesthetics & opinions, 

dressing to express, make impressions, 

carving our unique interpretations, 

of comfort, style and presentations.

There are many who aspired,

allure by the beauty and desires,

flaunting capacities through attires,

using it to further their empire,

within relations, groups & communities.

For, dress functions as silent communication, 

commands respect, projects competence, 

inspiring confidence in self and others,

when we give attention to the details,

there's a positive shift in our behaviors. 

Yet, we have seen many examples,

of billionaires were rejecting fashion,

by wearing simple, casual dresses, 

not allowing outfits to define characters,

letting their work make the statements. 

Vintage ambience

There's an allure,

of these retro settings,

creating such spaces,

in restaurants or gatherings.

Vintage ambience...

There's increase demands,

of old-school aesthetics, 

using incandescent bulbs,

earthen pots & brass utensils. 

The walls show paintings,

of village life, humble designs,

nostalgic for older generations, 

exotic style for youthful enthusiasm. 

The decorations were added,

of bamboo handicrafts, wall hangings,

care taken for lights and music,

to gently envelop surroundings. 

Vintage ambience...

Triggers anemoia in my heart,

like an antidote for modern life,

transporting us to an era,

simpler, slower, more authentic. 

It shows...

It shows...

How you feel inside,

changing your features, 

getting it shadowed,

or shining right.

Not only your glow,

it changes your life,

letting people know,

how to be identified. 

People tend to project,

trying to see through lenses,

getting excited or disappointed, 

from your external appearance. 

When you get personal,

one discovers newer sides,

they might like or dislike,

changing behaviors or blinds.

It shows...

Still, a lot depends,

on how we see ourselves,

which then influences opinions, 

enhancing or waning interests. 

So, be mindful of your acts,

this art of making an impression, 

whose heart you want to capture,

or characteristics, you want to amplify.

Going down memory lane

Going down memory lane,

what was lost, what remained,

treasured songs echoing inside,

or the yearning, never attained...

Browsing through writing & pictures, 

from childhood to youthful years,

where days were colorful hues, 

feelings were latched, still blues.

Going down memory lane,

it's not nostalgia that stayed,

but regrets of lost times,

where goals have failed.

I tried to romanticize,

but the ache, made me wise,

it's not just symbolic explorations,

but requires judicious engagement. 

Going down memory lane,

I visited dreams forsaken, 

remnants of a radiance,

once inhabiting body.

And I lament, the stalemate,

ruminating through mistakes,

questioning actions, & my fate,

still leaving me in the lurch...

Going down memory lane,

provided me with some solace,

for the distance I have travelled, 

from my starting point!

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.