Roadside amenities

With the advent of highways,

there's an increase in mobility,

upgrading roads for modern vehicles, 

for better & comfortable travels.

Yet, there are many obstacles,

quality issues to deterioration,

dangers of vulnerable stretches,

discouraging journey after dusk.

Roadside amenities . . .

It's something many drivers want,

which covers their necessities,

from food, shelter, toiletries, parking,

finding support, in some emergencies.

We have higher population density,

but they are limited, in towns & cities,

having scattered dhabas, & tea stalls,

nothing organized, lacking sanitation. 

Still, there's hope, with programs, 

of mitigating concerns, building WSAs,

to provide space, for people to rest,

allow drivers to stretch, regain alertness. 

When accompanied by infrastructures, 

of charging, repairing, security & toilets,

they build confidence, encourage travels,

by lowering the risk of their journeys.

Roadside amenities . . .

They are the need of hour, 

might bridge urban-rural divide,

promoting tourism, helping businesses, 

providing direct & indirect employments.

WSA : Wayside amenities (every 30-50 kms)

Time slips

Reading urban legends, 

popularized in certain sections,

I was intrigued by incidences,

experienced by many people,

while following routine life,

being transported to places,

which belong to different era,

of historical pasts, or future events.

Time slips . . .

It's something unexplainable,

anomalies faced by people,

visiting medieval style houses,

stepping into alternate realities, 

while traveling in usual paths,

in the crowds, deserted lands, 

reporting brief, disorienting shifts,

as if perceptions playing a trick.

Yet, the majority of such occurrences,

happens in western countries,

making me baffled, being puzzled,

wondering reasons for prevalence,

cultural influences, population density,

or mind creates paranormal activities, 

due to popularity of the narratives, 

collective delusions, strengthening beliefs.

Time slips . . .

Something still feels off,

with mounting of evidences, 

of people having precognition, 

or with accurate past visions,

were they hoaxes, mere illusions, 

or resonating with higher dimensions, 

as the mystery intensifies,

I raise more questions!

Cuteness of predators

Have we ever noticed,

distribution of our love,

when we adore animals,

be it children or adults,

for, most of us gravitate, 

towards the predators. 

The calf, chick, fawns,

have endearing features,

but antics of pup & kittens,

just steals our heart,

a fondness that persists,

even when they got older.

For, it's evolutionary wiring, 

affecting human psychology, 

getting tricked by facial features, 

which were closer to infants,

forward facing eyes, high forehead, 

involuntarily trigger nurturing instincts. 

The predators are more expressive, 

using flexibility of facial muscles, 

while rounded, padded paws,

reminding us of our hands,

adding their mischiefs & plays,

practice hunting skills . . .

But we are slain!

Every animal have their cuteness,

still, predators have us fascinated, 

by their curiosity, by their fierceness, 

stripped of its dangers,

to become our playmate.

Nature vs nurture

Is it our nature that dictates,

engagement with certain subjects,

or our character is determined,

by nurturing of specific interests. 

For, we have our temperament, 

innate qualities existing from birth,

being promoted by our guardians,

and influenced from environment. 

Yet, there's also external factors,

from peers to changing circumstances, 

curiosity, setbacks, developing interest,

gradually molding person's traits.

When over-investing in specific domains,

we start adopting cognitive frameworks,

narrowing our perceptions of reality,

reducing thresholds of impulsiveness. 

Yet, we can't discount base nature,

our core drivers, determining preferences, stimulus triggers latent predisposition, 

our immersion acting as the catalyst. 

Nature vs nurture

There's no single answer,

it's a dynamic feedback loop,

deciding shift of behaviors, 

or lack thereof.

 

Raksha Bandhan

On the full moon day of Shravan,

we celebrate this sacred festival,

honoring family and sibling affection,

through the promise of Raksha Bandhan.

Raksha and Bandhan, have deep value,

a vow to protect, the bond we treasured, 

as families gathered, for special ritual,

where sister tying Rakhi to brothers.

Rakhi, these sacred threads,

now are colorful, aesthetic designs,

simple strips to decorated beads,

representing prayers for long, happy life.

Accompanied by sweets and Aarti,

as sister apply colorful mark (tilak),

of vermilion & rice on brother's forehead,

circling small earthen lamp over his face.

She doesn't need anything in return,

a promise of protection & his support,

still receive token of gifts, cash or clothes, 

as they feed each other sweets & chocolates. 

Raksha Bandhan...

Time have changed, sentiments still remain,

reviving connections, strengthening every season,

tradition transforming into universal language,

when we tie threads, to ones we respect.

Be it community leaders, friends, or heroes.

Endearing

You were so sweet,

with adorable character, 

every time we interact,

my heart is charmed.

Endearing...

From be moment I glanced,

I was showered with warmth, 

your unconditional kindness, 

made me lower the guard.

What is this fuzzy feeling,

as if laying on soft grass,

gentle breeze streaming,

sunlight filters through branches.

You're calming, nurturing tone,

dispels my worries and gloom,

finding peace, love, & security, 

you act like a comforting room.

You are the epitome of strength,

still so humble, being empathetic,

when you listen, and encourage,

cheering me with sincere words.

Endearing...

You arrive like a blessing,

I bow to your feminine beauty,

your virtuosity is infectious, 

making me seek your company. 

For, every moment spent with you,

becomes my cherished memories!

 

Role of mascots

We loved the characters, 

created by brands or events,

making them more appealing, 

to us visitors & audiences. 

Mascots...

Built for instant recognitions, 

leaving behind lasting impressions, 

when we see their figures,

we instantly link with the promoters.

Yet, there's something deep,

the company using the tricks,

transforming into something friendly,

that's fun and approachable. 

For, most of them are dry,

having no personality to sway,

so they create visual anchors,

to capture much needed attention.

And mascots act as ambassadors, 

that never age, have versatile features,

evoking nostalgia, in every generation,

as their image remains forever.

Role of mascots...

They still rely on the popularity, 

or were forgotten, facing scarcity, 

effective in persuading the crowd,

but the quality needs to astound...

For its charm to work!

Human-wildlife boundaries

 Which of the model protect,

allowing ecosystems to flourish, 

preserving floras and faunas, 

in the era of development. 

Human-wildlife boundaries...

We have seen countries, 

segregating, with strict boundaries, 

with designated nature reserves,

fully separated by human activities. 

It does help, when they have cleared,

exhausting resources, with extermination, 

of any lifeform in their vicinities, 

to have a clean, orderly civilization. 

Then there are developing countries, 

primarily relying on farming or foraging, 

where these boundaries are blurred, 

and follow principles of coexistence.

While some countries display tolerance, 

even if population increases resistance, 

providing ample space for wildlifes, 

to survive in shared landscapes.

Each side have their drawback,

geographical isolation minimizes conflict,

undisturbed habitat for sensitive species,

but confining or displacing creatures,

that require migrations for genetic diversity.

Coexistence & tolerance provide cushions,

still prone to economic losses & casualties, 

when there are unrestricted interactions, 

leading to gradual ecological degradation. 

Human-wildlife boundaries...

Now most countries developed policies, 

pursuing conservations across nationalities, 

what matters is proper implementation, 

to create a balance...

Where natural world finds sanctuary. 

Nervous smile

I wish to smile naturally, 

a quality I admire earnestly, 

something I miss mostly,

when I tried consciously, 

miss creating it perfectly.

Nervous smile...

I wondered the reasons,

what changes the season,

these shifting internal climate,

clashing with social dictum,

activating reflex mechanisms.

It's rarely genuine happiness, 

or signalling our disinterests, 

rather means deeper conflicts,

encountered uncomfortable situations, 

manifesting on our faces.

In social gatherings & interactions, 

we are expected to be polite & warm,

even if feeling shy, or embarrassed, 

we have to gentle, be inconspicuous, 

instinctively using it as buffer.

Then, there are such times,

we process difficult situations, 

in griefs, distress, emotional pain,

experiencing cognitive overload,

we use masks, to sooth or suppress.

Nervous smile...

It's never in isolation, 

but collision of inner emotions, 

of fear, sadness or embarrassment, 

clashing with social obligations, 

we develop the trait...

As brain's defense mechanism!

Health doesn't see status

We have outsourced,

every physical requirements,

cleaning, cooking, commuting, 

even moving simple objects,

from occasional help,

it became default baseline,

now these privileges,

are impacting our life.

We are saving time,

using it for important work,

but deep down we know,

it's just an excuse,

trading for screen time,

furthering sedentary life,

either in home or work,

we are accumulating free time.

It's basic human biology, 

every task promoting functioning, 

in form of low intensity movements, (NEAT)

to keep metabolic health intact,

but we promote societal belief,

of conveniences being higher grounds, 

ignorant of the consequences, 

that complacency have brought...

For, health doesn't see status!

** NEAT : Non exercise activity thermogenesis

Short wait feels harder

My patience wears thin,

waiting becomes irritating, 

while performing the chores,

any delay can be limiting, 

to my calm demeanor. 

Yet, I don't have problems,

of waiting in the queues,

or pursuing long-term goals,

there are seldom frustrations, 

building in my heart.

So, I pondered on this feeling,

experiences of the uneasiness,

when I encounter some delays,

but ignore the same situations, 

accept setbacks in longer journeys. 

Maybe it's about expectations, 

instant results, without frictions, 

like loading websites, sending emails,

standing for checkouts, or in cafes,

our attention span gets short.

For, when destination is too far,

we have to accept, and prepare,

where hitch or snags don't trigger,

immediately ring alarm bells,

as the gap is too long.

Short wait feels harder,

become easier to be noticed,

brief delays break momentum, 

taking away our joy of completing, 

for, the threshold has reached!

Don't we love presents?

Don't we love presents?

The act of giving or receiving, 

excites us deep inside, 

bringing warm feelings,

when we find it gift wrapped.

Was it mystery, or excitements, 

adding surprise, of finding it out,

steadily building the suspense,

to be culminated with rewards,

of something we desired.

The process of the search, 

being a ritual, to deepen ties,

pouring emotions as we purchase, 

find something we could associate,

to be appreciated by the recipient.

And the ones, waiting to receive, 

unpredictability amplifies dopamine,

our brain love to solve puzzles,

while being valued, releases Oxytocin, 

altogether enhances the experience. 

Don't we love presents?

Untying of ribbon, tearing the paper,

opening the lid of the boxes,

feeling satisfied by the reveal,

even if the object have less appeal...

The old fish stays

The old fish stays,

which others play,

laughing & mocking, 

at his foolishness. 

"You have aged, gramp,

forgotten way of champs,

we find delicious treats,

when you are gulping air!"

The old fish ignored,

continued with the chore,

keeps an eye on juveniles, 

and shoal of fingerings. 

The fish swam further away,

frolicking & teasing, every day,

taking risks, enter shallow water,

for better food, and dwellings. 

But soon, most were hunted,

tricked by lure, surprised by traps,

witnessing horrors of companions,

being snatched away from surface.

The old fish smiled,

looked with vacant eyes,

"My scales are white, as I stayed,

learning from my mistakes."

Just be nearby...

I am not feeling good,

a bit tired, making me brood,

it could be fever or cold,

making me seek your company, 

just be nearby...

My body burning hot,

sometimes chills, sweats a lot,

lightheaded, unsteady on feet,

as glass slips from my grip.

I admit, I am at a loss,

as mind anticipate the worst,

fear invades, confidence falls,

I need your healing touch.

I imagine holding your hand,

your fingers stroking my hair,

soothing me with gentle voice,

my heart soaking your warmth.

You don't have to speak,

give me medicine or feed,

your presence is enough,

calming distress, loneliness...

I am vulnerable & weak,

in these moments, I might break,

so, hear my silent plea,

come closer, sit beside me,

just be nearby...

It's amusing, how tragedy plays

It's amusing, how tragedy plays,

like throw of dice, in hands of power, 

there's no place for individual rights,

to see dreams, aspire for better days.

Being oblivious, of cunning designs, 

there fate sealed, and hope resigned,

with no escape, grim reality awaits, 

any voice rising, is actively suppressed. 

For greater good, on righteous path,

taking revenge, for losses or insults,

overlooked as collateral damages, 

added or subtracted from statistics. 

The more fire, in heart & arsenals,

feeds their ego, blinding conscience, 

conducting meetings, taking credits,

for projecting dominance over weaklings.

It's not a burden, borne by few men,

but collective guilt, of our civilizations,

where millions and millions of lives,

being decimated, scarred for generations. 

It's indeed amusing, how tragedy plays,

with justifications, legitimacy facades,

when every hurt, cried, soul in despair,

want nothing but salvation...

A life of peace and security.

I haven't slept

"I haven't slept"

he told with pained expressions, 

sharing his struggle, 

for a peaceful slumber.

He seems anxious, 

with trembling hands,

as his lips quiver,

with shaky voice.

"Never in my life,

I felt so nervous,

to even interact,

with known persons."

And I could see the change,

his demeanor is lacking,

with invading doubts,

dimming his confidence. 

"I have trusted God, 

then why I faced such struggle, 

even in devoted heart,

I still experience bitterness."

And he speaks of troubles,

which clouds his judgments, 

of trusting process, having hope,

being grateful of the blessings...

When everything collapses,

with major disappointments,

losing his mental peace,

he shared his predicament.

Nature of discussion

 Have we ever observed,

ways our discussion goes,

when we have interactions,

as we enjoy some company.

It could be casual greetings, 

topics worthy of debating, 

or just being diplomatic,

reading room before commenting.

It changes with accompanied groups,

friends, families, professional network,

being structured, pragmatic in some,

lighthearted moments with close ones.

Most of us have social circles,

that follows a routine, usual chitchat,

seldom touching deeper concerns,

when facing troubles, serious situations. 

Familiar environments acting as cushion,

but sometimes, we are stripped of buffer,

when travelling, visiting new regions, 

we encounter diverse views & opinions.

And we are surprised, of the atmosphere,

as we engage, participate in conversations, 

where identities fades, forming new culture,

with its preferences & choices of subject...

Building empathy & understandings,

discovering something new about humanity. 

Is it natural for us to work?

Is it natural for us to work?

Like in machine, acting as a cog,

selective tasks, long hours, 

not enough time, to spend at home,

or enjoy moments of leisure. 

Since ancient times, we had a rhythm,

short burst of activity, work or pleasure,

there was a fluidity in their actions,

without rigid rules or regulations,

to limit movements, against distractions. 

The advancements of our civilizations, 

we started following division of labor,

to be more productive in performance, 

scaling agriculture, industrial revolutions,

in the era of hyper-specializations.

Yet, it came with a price,

of being dependent on assistance, 

for fulfillment of necessities, 

be it our food, shelter & energy,

forgetting the skills of survival. 

Before long, we get acclimatized, 

joining the rat race of productivity, 

where competitions & comparisons,

forcing us to maintain relative positions, 

while loss of family & community...

Keep adding jobs, following atomization.

Is it natural for us to work?

Or just a facade, social construct,

a busyness, driven by artificial urgency, 

which we can easily opt out of, 

by protecting our unproductive space...

Where we cultivate hobbies, wander, or do nothing!

The shared dream

15th August...

It's not a date,

but milestone achieved, 

after countless sacrifices.

The shared dream...

Centuries of colonial rules,

breaking the spirits of many,

enduring unspeakable crimes,

buried with passing time.

Yet, there were voices,

could never be silenced,

standing against injustice,

demanding their rights.

Now we stand on same grounds,

enriched by the sweats & bloods,

hoisting tricolor with immense pride,

singing glory of our blessed nation,

sovereign, democratic, independent, 

we gather to celebrate our freedom,

paying tribute to freedom fighters,

bowing to their grand vision.

The shared dream...

Their legacy still continues,

filling heart with patriotic hues,

we as citizens participate,

in workplaces & neighborhoods.

Beyond the government offices,

programs in school & colleges, 

it's the day of reverence, 

coming together to pray.

Happy Independence Day!

We feel lucky

We feel lucky,

when things go our way,

as others are struggling.

Finding shortcuts in the queue, 

guidance of knowledgeable person,

coincidences happening around us,

to make our journey comfortable,

having lesser setbacks or hurdles,

as if bestowed with divine blessings.

We may feel proud of achievements, 

attribute it to hard work or competence, 

being actively chosen by others. 

Yet, these can be exceptions, 

and we take credit for functions,

which are happening randomly.

We feel lucky...

Showing pleasure in proclaiming, 

of being favored by higher powers

while it's a confluence of factors,

getting fortunate by performing actions...

And fate starts favoring!

 

Ceremonial treats

Attending ceremonial treats,

that lasted for centuries at least,

satiating more than hunger,

filling our heart with bliss.

A spread of traditional dishes,

cooked in woods & earthen pots,

with limited spices & condiments, 

still rivals complex cuisines.

Is it just our sentiments, 

attached to followed traditions, 

or truly charm of simplicity, 

captures palates of those who eat.

The most sacred were ritualistic, 

connected with spirituality or devotions, 

further spreading, as part of culture,

required in marriages or family celebrations. 

We don't calculate calories or nutrition, 

when we partake, finding nourishments, 

working well with our way of living,

easily digested, keeping us healthy.

Ceremonial treats...

They are not for our needs,

but every meal is intricately linked,

with practices of our community, 

as a form of gratitude & respect...

Towards our own identity!

Religion is not for empty stomachs

 "Religion is not for empty stomachs"

It's futile to preach spiritual ideals,

making them understand philosophy, 

of religions or political sensibilities, 

when they are starving...

Yet, I have my concerns,

of people leverage situations, 

taking advantages of vulnerable, 

being subjected to manipulations, 

to further their interests.

For, personal opinion or worldview,

is not a luxury, reserved for a few,

they have much larger influences, 

often used, as tool of survival.

Poverty is not just lack of resources, 

but an onslaught, of stress & uncertainties,

where these faiths, beliefs & philosophies, 

become an internal anchor, prevent sufferings. 

It provides a sense of freedom & autonomy,

having control, for asserting their humanity,

fueling their drive, to be treated fairly, 

a step towards building better reality.

In the end, ones facing the hardships,

truly understand value of philosophies. 

Colorblind

"I don't see it," I exclaimed,

as others compare answers,

teacher have brought a chart,

with many colorful dots,

they see me with pity,

brother, you are colorblind.

I was puzzled, it didn't register,

for, I could identify colors,

appreciating natural surroundings, 

playing with crayons in childhood,

devoted some time to painting,

and have chosen vibrant attires. 

Yet, there was a sense of unease,

when I recalled things clearly,

constantly reading tags and labels,

written on crayons, and apparels, 

I could never make distinctions,

taking help of parents or sibling.

"I don't see it," years have passed,

a repeat statement, for another cause,

as they expressed, and I watched,

extremes of elation or sadness,

in greetings, meetings & interactions, 

responding to events, or relations.

The same sense of unease,

I tried to rationalize feelings,

aware of my shortcomings,

of being logical, objective thinking,

does that mean I don't experience,

missing out of many hues!

"You have emotions," A voice whispered, 

"Even if, not reacting to situations, 

not expressing mix of magenta and purples,

doesn't make your world dull or colorless,

for, you see contrast, texture & structure,

better at recognizing the patterns"

Being colorblind, is not a bad thing!

 

Mountain & winds

No one questions integrity of mountains, 

Standing tall, unmoving, steady on principles, 

Yet the winds are questioned for intentions,

When proudly declare their independence, 

Never settling, moving places to places,

Carrying fresh breeze or air pollutants.

Stealing is wrong

"We shouldn't be doing this,

stealing is wrong!" His voice concerned.

"You are a worrywart, no one will know,

and it's so much fun!" They answered.

Hiding in the orchard,

they plucked fruits & flowers,

ripened with sweet fragrances, 

bursting with colors.

The boy was small, being naive,

accompanying others of older age,

wanting to be part of an adventure, 

only to face such dilemmas. 

They were sneaky, place being vast,

hidden in foliage, farmer seem aghast,

as they return, with spoils of raids,

counting the haul, having a laugh.

But, the boy saw troubled expressions, 

seeing the damages, after their departure,

recalling the lessons, his mother's advice,

never to cause pain, from his actions.

So, he returned, called the farmer,

gathering courage, confesses his crime,

asking for forgiveness, still being hesitant, 

to divulge names, of others' involvement. 

"I am sorry, I will repay the loss,

don't call parents, It's first & only mistake"

"Don't cry kind," Farmer had kind eyes,

"You are honest, dragged into trouble "

'Stealing is wrong', Farmer continued,

"For, a thief doesn't value, 

all the love, care, hope and efforts went,

and it pains me, how plants were treated"

The boy returned, with renewed resolve, 

to never indulge, in these wrongdoings,

share the lessons, to correct behaviors.

Willingness to learn

Knowledge and insights,
Are completely useless,
Unless the recipient is humble,
Is prepared, willing to learn...

For, experiences teaches,
The teachable!

Road sense

We have seen examples, 

lapse of judgments create disasters,

extinguish lamps of many houses,

without fear of consequences. 

Road sense...

There are some responsibilities, 

we need to carry with sincerity, 

when using public infrastructures,

we have to become considerate.

Yet, people remain ignorant,

holding to ego & entitlement, 

across class and generations, 

not giving enough thoughts.

Lacking patience, lane discipline,

encroaching tracks, wrong side driving,

not prioritizing pedestrians, or traffic, 

always in a rush, to cover stretches.

With arrival of powerful vehicles,

building expressway for easier travels,

there's an obsession of higher speed,

aggressive driving often being fatal.

Road sense...

It's really painful to see,

lackluster attitudes of administrations, 

but more damaging are such cultures,

which disregards others' rights...

For using road with safety & peace.

Travelling with specific goals

Travel humbles, make us grow,

still, there lies, something more,

when we have purpose, & passion,

it can be an immersive show.

For, most of us are passive observers,

ticking off a checklist of popular sights,

still, some quests with specific lens,

transforming trip into active explorations. 

Every city, each region, possess its charm,

very few are attuned, to rhythm of location,

getting overwhelmed by vibrant surroundings  

to truly invest their time and attentions.

So, our interests act as natural filter,

to background noises, causing burnouts,

giving us space, for curiosity to thrive,

study the environment, for better understanding. 

Still, most holidays & vacations,

don't spare for adventurous expeditions, 

with planned itineraries, prior obligations, 

lacking opportunities, for authentic interactions. 

So, fortunate are those who dares, 

finding meaning, in their journeys,

making discoveries, building legacies, 

which inspires others, in creating memories. 

When we travel with specific goals,

it becomes special, something more!

Assam flood crisis

An ongoing crisis,

developing this monsoon,

where lives were impacted,

from cloudburst and deluge.

Most of us watch in news,

while unfortunate ones endures,

flooded streets and homes,

without basic amenities. 

Some climbing to the roofs,

others needing shelter & food,

as the savings are washed away,

leaving nothing to their name.

Most harrowing tales,

told by survivors & evacuee, 

missing friends and families, 

lost crops, farm animals.

There were those overlooked,

how wildlifes have lost footings, 

pressuring dwindled populations, 

to find refuge, safer dwellings. 

With places facing waves of flooding,

even the foundations became weak,

with collapse of the infrastructures, 

causing mass displacement & losses.

The nature fury is unstoppable, 

still we take steps to mitigate, 

providing support is need of hour,

till they recover from sufferings. 

My prayers for Assam flood 🙏 

Don't be dependent on validations

Don't be dependent on validations, 

Seeking reassurance from others,

For, it makes you prone to habituation. 

While promoting miscommunication,

Damaging relationships...

With self & surroundings. 

Self-preservation

Facing distress or disappointments, 

we develop tendencies of avoidance,

when our trust were broken,

it can lead to disillusionment. 

Self-preservation...

It's our natural instincts,

be it physical or emotional,

we don't want it to repeat,

requiring time to adjust,

for strengthening beliefs.

Being caught off-guard,

mind shift to hypervigilance, 

passing through scrutiny, 

even empathy needs clearance, 

before extending generosity. 

Yet, it's not generalized,

limited to specific situations, 

promoting goodwill & harmony,

for, we retain our character,

not letting setbacks alter virtuosity. 

Self-preservation...

We may feel guilt & shame,

still maintain boundaries, not blame,

prioritizing our needs, and aspirations, 

there are times, we withhold kindness,

for, caring doesn't mean...

Taking other's responsibility. 

Fake it till you make it

"Fake it till you make it"

Often mocked for its superficiality, 

being criticized, of the inauthenticity,

still the statement carried wisdom,

of triggering brain's neuroplasticity. 

For, we get anxious, as we fear,

getting exposed, treated as imposter,

with stress of masking true feelings,

eventually leads to emotional burnout.

Yet, we can't deny its role,

in giving us confidence boost,

awakening optimism in heart,

to develop skills, and competence. 

When we emulate habits & posture,

create mental image of ideal person, 

we effectively train nervous system,

to transform rehearsals into real version.

Yet, we have our nature and quirks,

inherited from genetics, upbringings, 

shaping sensitivities or perspectives,

which sets the rules, and boundaries. 

"Fake it till you make it"

We can make conscious choices,

stretching comfort space to play,

a lifetime of continued learning,

becoming the one, we wished to be.

Someone who understands

We can never say, 

What we perceived, 

Is true reality,

But the perceptions,

Is unique to us,

And we would want,

Someone who understands. 

A black cat

A black cat,

on an expedition,

crossing the streets,

walking on the pavement.

I watched her pause,

throw me a piercing gaze,

those mesmerizing golden eyes,

as if mapping secret pathways. 

Twitching nose, decoding scent trails,

tail curved, like question mark,

standing mid-stride, frozen as a statue,

fully focused, investigating surroundings. 

I was intrigued, tracking the movement,

of this shadow, on a secret mission,

fuelled by promise, of delicious treats,

or hunting prey, for its children. 

With a dramatic, toothy yawn,

briefly glancing, resumed its prowl, 

I scrambled, hesitated for a moment, 

then pursued, observing the act.

A black cat,

was too stealthy, 

vanishing before my eyes,

when I was distracted...

Now I will never know,

reasons for its expeditions!

Fair exchange

What does it take,

to override conscience, 

compromising principles, 

for deals we make?

Fair exchange...

Not many take bribes,

when given in the face,

but lowers their guard,

when the stakes are raised.

It's a clever manipulative trick,

framing it as mutual benefit, 

making us believe in good intent,

gives license to bend core values.

There are ways it can be enforced,

by being helpful or be generous, 

invoking spirit of reciprocity, 

pressures us to return the favor.

Fair exchange...

When things non-negotiable, 

are placed on scale for rewards,

moral dimensions of our choices,

were replaced by cost benefit analysis...

And we create internal narratives,

to justify actions, furthering interests, 

slowly surrendering honor & values,

until it becomes unrecognizable!

Fear of being undermined

It's an irrational fear,

something of a scare,

when one is not recognized,

by their staffs or gatekeepers. 

Fear of being undermined...

What is the reason of such anxieties, 

when we understand their duties,

still it annoys, can be agitating,

losing our calm, making them wary.

Is it the pride, air of superiority,

making such queries as humiliating, 

or it captured the awkwardness, 

of singled out, making it embarrassing. 

Our mind seek balance, internal stability, 

avoiding situations, that breach privacy,

when forced to defend, explain, validate,

it activates defense mechanisms.

Fear of being undermined...

There are few who don't take it personally,

making light of situations, putting a smile,

shifting attention from anticipations, 

to communicate positions respectfully.

Alien life

What defines alien life?

Is it made of organic matters, 

or sentient inorganic beings...

Earth is hospitable, 

lies in habitable zone,

with magnetic fields,

protect against radiations,

and insulating atmosphere 

regulates weather & temperature. 

We are made of carbon,

having abundant liquid water,

with solid grounds as foundations. 

What if, these are unnecessary, 

for lives to keep flourishing, 

in extremes of environments.

An entity that process information, 

reproduce without relying on DNA,

adapting to their surroundings,

boiling surfaces to frozen lands,

intense radiations or gas giants,

having their own evolved creatures.

We have made assumptions,

but reality is surreal & astounding, 

when we expand boundaries...

Of imaginations!

 

When instincts were right

There are times we wish,

Our instincts were wrong,

To have faith in others,

For us to trust more,

Yet, as the time passed,

We see how things unfolds, 

And concerns were validated,

From their choices & actions,

But it doesn't make us happy,

Just disappointments...