Video games

There was a time,

when we were consumed,

in a 2D world of fantasy,

where pixel danced in our hand. 

In the flickering screens,

we found our escape,

and we embarked in an adventure, 

where adrenaline pumped, dopamine surged. 

Every motion of pictures,

excited us for some more,

igniting our heart with impulses,

letting us tighten our hold. 

Joy pads gripped, raising controller,

fulfilling quests, levels are cleared, 

victory was cheered, losses were rued, 

boasting all the games we conquered. 

But those days were long gone,

joy of childhood fun, fading soon,

as ambitions, duties of the world,

interrupted us from our pleasures. 

Though distant now, we still remember, 

those nostalgic moments, that we loved,

even if time changes, and priorities shifted,

we would still be fond of video games...

In our memories. 

Be a realist

Be an idealist,

for your dreams,

but remember, not all,

would follow your creed.

But your ambitions,

are your treasure,

helping you reach heights, 

that others can't measure. 

So, be proud,

of what you achieved,

but never expect,

that, it's a universal need.

Every person is different, 

in desires and expectations, 

we have to be more receptive,

of their opinion and situations. 

Be a realist,

empathetic to their voice,

and you will understand,

there's more to any given choice.

Have clarity of vision,

find your true connections, 

let not feelings go astray,

in the absence of good decisions. 

We always have a chance,

to be able to revert,

let's not make thoughts rigid, 

for the acceptance of our goals. 

For, without opening our heart,

and facing many uncomfortable truths,

we will never be able to move...

The pair of wheels, of any relationship. 

Make amends with your past

Make amends with your past,

you will project it on future self,

involving loved ones around you,

in your quest for evading reconciliation. 

While you let the wound fester,

accompanied by the lingering hurt,

you keep falling into the dark abyss,

consumed by regrets and resentments. 

And you create an unscalable wall,

that would guard your sensitive heart,

protecting yourself from perceived threats,

making it difficult, for relationships to last. 

It's true, there are betrayals, 

but nothing is gained without trials,

trust takes its time, to be built,

for forging bonds of a lifetime 

You always have a choice,

being aware of your mistakes,

letting you take full control,

by rectifying, for your happiness. 

And that is your starting point,

as you clicked a reset button,

with meetings and interactions, 

being renewed, been refreshed. 

So, make amends with your past,

give present to your future self,

believe in yourself, hope for good,

seek blessings from the universe. 

Egg and seeds

Sometimes I wonder,

our criteria for cruelty, 

while choosing another life,

for filling up our belly.

So, I take two examples,

that are part of our meals,

one is an unfertilized egg, 

and the other, seeds of lentils. 

An unfertilized egg,

is left to rot, if not discovered, 

collected by men, stolen by predators, 

for, it doesn't support a chick birth.

While, seeds, with enough moisture,

would help in germination process,

sprouting shoots, leaves or buds,

and growing into a new plant. 

Regardless of selective breeding,

or limitation of roosters in localities, 

unfertilized eggs are now a norm,

then, why considered unkind option?

And then comes seed sprouts, 

being taken as natural product,

while a life being killed in process,

a glimmer of hope being lost. 

So, what's more cruel,

eating unfertilized eggs or sprouted seeds?

.

..

... 

Then again, it would open a Pandora box, 

depending on various opinions and customs.

Cherish the child within

Let's cherish the child within,

that loves the laughter and grins,

an innocent heart, untouched by time,

residing inside, where everything begins. 

When eyes sparkled, thoughts were pure,

being assured of comfort, to be secure, 

finding joy in simple activities, 

seeking things, that's gentle and sweet.

Be it a playful pup or kitten,

hugging a cuddly toy or trinkets, 

exploring the neighborhood for treasures,

in the alleys, hideout, or outskirts. 

We might not play slides anymore,

and climb trees to sit on branches,

or capture insects or butterflies, 

trying flavors of gums and candies.

But, there are ways to experience, 

forgotten memories of wonderful days,

through books, shows or watching kids,

while reliving in our mind, those moments. 

The world now, is too demanding, 

of our freedom and those feelings,

kept hidden, concealed deep in recesses, 

not to be made open, or be ridiculed.

But, we all know the real charm,

of childhood spirits, that radiates warmth,

letting us dream again, with colorful imaginations, 

in the magic of innocence, of child within.

Everything seems familiar

The places would seem familiar,

if we become more rational,

from the roads, shops and houses,

everything feels so normal. 

Be it the communities,

gathered for a meeting,

or children on ground running,

having fun while they are playing. 

It's the same structures,

that are built for dwellings,

with mud, bricks and timbers,

or sturdier steels and concrete. 

Their daily routines too similar,

even conversations being casual,

over the roof, on the verandah, 

and on the bench of some park. 

We do seek something different, 

while visiting a new place,

but would be surprised to find,

how alike we actually are. 

For, the civilization had seen,

the path of our advancing needs,

through local resources that brings,

similar opportunities for our deeds. 

So, even in diversities of culture,

from cuisines to many traditions,

the basic fabrics never change,

for, we all are the same... human being.

Ratha Yatra

Amidst the sweltering heat,

devotees gather to celebrate,

surrounding the towed chariots,

for a glimpse, of the divine lord.

" Haribol" evoking the chant,

they welcome lord for the world,

with the rituals of pahandi,

beating ghanta, telingi baja & kahali.

Even the kings come to clean,

the wooden platform, with a broom,

before sibling deities were brought,

and placed within the chariots.

And the ropes were being pulled,

signalling the start of the procession,

blowing conch shells, singing praises,

accompanied by traditional Odissi dance.

In the festivity, everyone was immersed,

devotees throng to witness the journey,

many bows, showing their devotions,

coming closer, to pull or touch chariot.

Ratha Yatra...

The journey of Lord Jagannath, 

with lord Balabhadra & Devi Subhadra,

a visit to their aunt, Mausi Maa temple,

it's a symbol, of faith and relationship.

For, here, the lines were blurred,

as deities follow human traditions,

connecting deeper, like a familiar bond,

it's indeed a divine tradition.

Cheers

Cheers,

to your indomitable spirits, 

for standing on the grounds, 

unfazed by the surrounding situations. 

You have your struggles,

seen failures, or some troubles,

the road had never been easy,

towards the goals, you have dreamed. 

Cheers,

to your accomplishments,

invisible battles that you fought,

for the path of your success. 

There were days, you were heartbroken,

felt the anguish and disappointments, 

yet, you overcome these setbacks, 

to rise again, with your courage. 

Cheers,

to your smiles and laughter,

that you allowed, when tears dried up,

living behind painful memories. 

For, now you are free,

of the restraints of your past,

and a bright future awaits,

along with accolades...

For you, dear valiant one.

Chariot ( Acrostic poem )

Consciousness, 

Handles the body as a vessel,

And our intellect act as a driver,

Reining the senses, giving directions,

Informing our mind, to take actions,

Or, we might lose our sight,

Towards our destination...Enlightenment!!

-------

Mind, is not your soul,

Our life has a goal,

Known to the wise ones,

Seeking the higher truth,

Hidden from the world, 

Assimilated in an illusion...of Maya!

Songstress

In your gorgeous outfit,

that shines in the darkness,

you hold the mic in hand,

hypnotizing us with your voice. 

Songstress, by enchanting souls,

weaving emotions in every word,

with the melodies then captivates,

like a magic, hypnotizing our heart. 

Caressing senses, like a gentle breeze,

you touch our feeling with such an ease,

and we immerse in the flowing nectar,

invoking joy, taking away the sadness. 

Your stage presence, like a glittering star,

bewitching the audience, from near and far,

inspiring sentiments, showing us dreams,

every note, each beats, enhance the charm. 

Oh, my dear songstress,

how beautiful is your existence,

enlightening us with your presence,

by changing our mood within seconds. 

Let your song reaches the masses,

with the sweetness evoke the passion,

as the voice streams within the ears,

instilling courage, destroying the fears.

Nourishment

We are oblivious, 

don't even blink,

to the nutrients within,

the food we eat,

as we let the mouth feed,

disregarding the amount, our body needs. 

In the matter of taste,

we have evolved our skill,

that cater to the masses,

have their belly filled,

even if it's on the surface,

having effects, becoming a bitter pill. 

We face vitamin deficiencies, 

troubled with hypertension and obesities,

with inflammation taking toll,

along with cases of diabetes,

even if diets are controlled,

there's still many hidden dangers. 

Indeed, these are a silent threat, 

that is slowly spreading it's net,

through reduced nutrients per servings, 

provided to us as daily provisions, 

for, there's a risk of widening gap,

a warning of potential nutrient collapse. 

With less protein present in our diet,

there's a high intake of calories and fat,

and diminishes minerals from the soil,

that could be extracted by the plant,

blame it on intense farming practices,

ills of selective breeding or monocultivation. 

But, we do use fertilizer,

that would fulfill requirements, 

still, there's a downward slope,

of the protein, vitamins and minerals,

even in the weeds, on the path,

there's a pattern of loss, seen as evidence. 

Some researchers do wonder,

is it due to rising carbon dioxide levels,

letting the plant grow much faster,

without enough time for nutrient extractions, 

but then, these are just speculations,

to make sense of something alarming... 

Do our diet provide enough nourishment?

** Inspired by a content channel Veritasium.

Conveniences

We as people seek convenience,

as long as it's within our reach,

to get things a bit earlier,

and living hassle-free.

So, we seek power,

in status and wealth,

have positions that are higher,

and use them, when we need. 

But, it's also a necessity,

our time is more precious,

we don't require any pleasantry, 

for, there's so much to do.

And the world too desires,

falling to the temptations, 

let the influence be used,

for their benefits and advantages. 

It's a win-win situation sometimes,

yet, it also comes with a price

there are people, who feel wronged,

feeling the brunt, of the corruption.

In the quest for individual gain,

we create different scenarios, 

that might harm the society,

sowing discontent and anger. 

So, let's build the conditions,

being acceptable to all people,

bringing options that would favor,

the demands, that can be legal.

And we could be guilt free,

while getting the desired service,

without manipulating the system,

for the sake of our convenience. 

Driving in the rain

People have the preferences,

of seeking the conveniences, 

in their commutes for livelihood, 

embracing path of sophistication...

For, lifestyle do live an imprint,

changing our ways of thinking,

creating boundaries, perching,

for the sake of pride and dignity.

Yet, here I am, riding my bike,

being drenched in the downpour, 

facing the wind, over my face,

inhaling the scent, of wet soil.

And I wondered, as I watched,

the passerby, inside the car,

would they experience the forces,

and the beauty, of this weather?

Something, that can only be felt,

when it contacts, our raw skin,

as the drops streaking through,

moisturizing the body, head to toe.

To immerse self, in panoramic view,

the concrete roads, to swaying branches,

even the canine & cattle, taking shelters,

felt endearing, like an interesting show.

Monsoons, can be a hassle,

fear of catching cold, is universal,

protecting self, for our obligations,

influences our actions & decisions.

Yet, we might be missing out,

to appreciate, while exposing self,

rather than avoiding the outside,

and welcoming, the falling droplets...

Driving in the rain.