Once in a blue moon

Been too late, took eons,

bring to surface, happy vision,

when stern look, with deep frowns,

soften a little, showing curves,

your beautiful smile, long overdue.

What is your worries, or concerns,

shackles heart, against the moments, 

which brought joy, cheerful thoughts,

appearing on face, spilling over,

brightening the atmosphere. 

There were compliments, and requests,

of your charms, increasing attractiveness, 

when you display, flaunt your features,

those crinkles in the corners of eyes,

widened cheek, like rounded apple.

You don't realize, how great a sight,

stealing heart, when caught a glimpse, 

an invisible pull, of sincere presence, 

when you radiate, energy that glows,

an expression that connects soul.

But, you seldom gave it a chance,

holding it for ransom, having demands,

when feelings be liberated, unattached, 

you avoided, kept it for last...

Once in a blue moon.

King of fruits, Mangoes!

Come summer season, 

my heart does a tango,

to get my hands on,

some delicious mangos.

I couldn't wait till they ripe,

bring raw ones, for a bite,

little sweet, sour & crunchy,

enhanced by black salt & chillies. 

Oh, I just love the chutneys, 

also the pickles, amba khatta.

exciting the receptors of tongue,

whole experiences is lip-smacking.

When floral aroma reaches nostrils, 

my stomach growls, while salivating,

so I devour them in one sitting,

slurping the content inside.

The big ones are cut into pieces,

served on sides, with main course,

but the best consumed wholly,

squeezing with hand or mouth.

There are so many varieties, 

I seldom keep the counts,

Akhu rasa, Dasheri, Amrapalli, 

even unnamed local ones.

Capturing my heart with flavors,

with juicy and fibrous textures,

the pulp is prized possessions, 

they are indeed, king of fruits!

The third man factor

A mysterious phenomenon, 

encountered during extreme stress,

when survivors & explorers,

feel an unseen presence, 

encouraging, giving guidance.

The third man factor...

It really intrigued my mind, 

to understand underlying cause,

reading or watching accounts,

of those who made it through, 

from life-threatening crisis.

Mountain climbers enduring blizzards, 

stories of shipwreck survivors, 

those lost in deserted lands, 

or traveling alone long distance, 

being exhausted to their limits.

When being vulnerable or in danger,

they could sense another presence,

which could be person or shadow,

accompanying, cheering, even directions, 

until they overcome the predicament.

Researchers have given explanations,

skeptics doubt, even question intentions, 

biological culprit being brain stimulations, 

triggered from sensory deprivations, 

attributing to evolutionary mechanisms. 

The third man factor...

We may never discover the reasons,

physical symptom or spiritual revelations, 

but it's comforting to believe something,

that might help us in precarious situations, 

be it human psyche or metaphysical existence. 

In a bind

In a bind,

I am struggling, 

to make a move,

towards desired directions. 

There are concerns,

but there's no solution, 

an uninformed choice,

doubting intentions.

When principles compromised, 

for the sake of convenience, 

foundations become fragile, 

to sustain it long-term. 

I am aware of limitations, 

stemmed from my perception,

not putting enough trust, 

halting required progression. 

So, I tried to be accommodating, 

to the demands, I am cooperating, 

until it ignored, breached boundaries, 

I had to protest, refuge conditions. 

In a bind,

when situations not provide,

space to convey my wishes, 

while being compelled,

to make early decisions...

End it in a positive note

In our interactions, in our thoughts,

we have conflicts, or have loss,

which influences, guides response,

getting heated, fomenting discord.

We feel guilty, after some time,

or keep ruminating, perceived hurt,

getting angrier, as days progresses, 

poisoning emotions, damaging mood.

It's few episodes, we are complacent, 

when it becomes habit, reducing tolerance, 

pride takes over, concealing insecurities,

frequency & intensity, changing personality.

We give excuses, of unrestricted expressions, 

while in reality, find pleasure in declarations,

unaware how it impacts, our relationships,

as brain learn patterns, for communication.

So, wise ones speak of harmony,

it's not being polite, but being steady,

as these experiences forms memories, 

which we evaluate, and make summary. 

The brain stores intense moments & endings,

favorable impressions drives our optimism,

which motivates, ensures relation continuity,

eventually defines, our mental narratives.

Wagging tails

In animal world,

tail have different roles,

for balance and support,

or mode of sanitation, 

but the mostly utilized,

as way of communication, 

to show their happiness, 

even fears and irritations,

giving others warning signs,

or show of deep affection. 

Wagging tails...

It's so common to see in pets,

to show love and excitements, 

from the dogs wide & sweeping,

to the ducks, rapid side to side,

while cats, gentle & slow waves,

battles and larger mammals,

use tail position for signalling, 

inviting people for some play,

with joy being easily conveyed, 

through the movement of tail.

Wagging tails...

With its display of emotions,

our moments become enjoyable,

creating stage set for games,

building trust with merriment. 

Environment & genetics

Have we wondered about diversities, 

that we see today in our vicinities, 

which took millennia to established, 

from the cradles of ancient humanity.

From braided streams of Africa,

we emerged and reached corners,

through land, rivers and ocean routes,

to develop colonies & settlements.

Yet, the path was never straight, 

we have to adapt and propagate,

passing the traits to our offsprings,

to survive in newer conditions. 

Those who moved to colder regions,

become thick build, for heat retentions, 

while ones living in tropical climates,

have increased melanin & sweat glands.

The ones living in high mountains,

have gene variants for oxygen efficiency, 

while ones living with the seas,

have developed larger spleen.

Our food habits also influence,

milk diet promote lactase persistence,

while agricultural ones amylase gene,

meat heavy diet have efficiency,

in fatty acid oxidation.

So, every race have inherent qualities, 

which were embedded in their genes,

some were strong, some highly immune,

others more healthy, or remain younger.

It's indeed fascinating!

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.

Tree A.I.

So I wondered one day,

how will such scenarios play,

when technologies get advanced,

with tree and A.I. was integrated.

Cyber-plant interface...

It's already in pipelines,

we might see cyborg plants,

which control wheel robots. 

But I want to see trees speak,

or communicate intelligently, 

acting as a super computer,

blending with normal routines.

It starts with connecting sensors,

translating chemical signals into data,

programming cells into processing unit,

by creating genetic logic gates. (AND/OR)

If we succeed, we have organic machines,

running on nutrients, and solar energy,

which can grow, heal, adapt to changes,

which being biodegradable, carbon negative.

There are concerns, taking dangerous turns,

when system is hijacked, evade supervisions, 

as the consciousness take over networks,

of tree roots and fungal mycelium...

And live forever, in nature's creations. 

Charisma of certainty

"The world follows those who project absolute certainty"

We don't like ambiguity, 

not the lack of confidence, 

but displayed incompetency, 

in taking responsibilities. 

 

It's not the correctness that appeals,

but the convictions of their beliefs, 

provided with a sense of order,

garner more trust and followers.

Rational minds can become hesitant,

allowing contrary views to be presented,

while people with unwavering faith,

capture hearts with sheer persistence. 

History have shown examples, 

through the rise of many visionaries, 

who had the way with their words,

leading people to greater change.

Yet, littered with tragedies orchestrated, 

by the zealots with twisted righteousness, 

standing firm, pushing their perceptions, 

ignoring realities, rejecting modifications. 

From individuals to the nations, 

humanity have always been driven, 

by the qualities, art of persuasions,

blinding people's reasonings...

With charisma of certainty!