Dream On

Wise men say we all arrive alone.
And alone we will be, when we pass on.
But about this, I have a different opinion,
For, in this world, when we are born,
We’re given a dream by the Holy One.
This dream is a reason to keep on going,
And, in many ways, it keeps reminding
Us to take action for its realization.
Sometimes, at night, it comes as a vision.
Sometimes, it’s in advice or admonition.
It will continue to strive for recognition,
And seek through us, a manifestation.
When we see it through the commotion,
We need to nurture it with true intention.
This dream will exist with us all along,
And will come to life only if we want.

The Joy of Music

There are many things
That make me glad,
That brighten my days
When I feel so sad.
But none lift me up so much
When I’m feeling bored
As the black and white keys
on my musical keyboard.
Sa, re, ga, ma, pa, dha, and ni-
These notes bring joy to me.
Alankars, ragas, and melodies-
To my heart, they all appeal.
With them, I have realized
Music, in everything, resides.
Be it the hum of the microwave,
Or the beats that a clock plays.
To perfect the notes of a song,
I can practice all day long.
If not once, then twice or thrice
Till I can get the tune right.
There’s a song for every situation.
There’s rhythm, even in silence.
Yes, Music gives me happiness,
For it finally leads me to myself.

Lullaby of the Stars

It has been a while since the Sun said goodbye.
A blanket of darkness is spread out by the night.
And, in the pale glow of the crescent moon’s light,
I hear the twinkling stars sing a melodious lullaby-

“Lie down on your bed and close your droopy eyes,
Sail slowly across the prussian blue midnight skies
On the ship of dreams drawn by iridiscent butterflies
As it takes you to the shores of a beautiful paradise.

On the way, see the magical fairies twirl and smile
As they waltz to a celestial tune with the fireflies.
Look at the rainbow-colored waves fall and rise
As golden mermaids, on their crests, take joy rides.

Take their hands and dive into the aquamarine tide.
There’s a many-hued oyster with its mouth open wide.
Rest your head on the pearly bed laid for you inside.
And sleep till you hear the birds chirping at sunrise.”

My Favorite Thing

The gold inches across the skies.
Night discards her veil of darkness.
The haze lifts from before my eyes.
I breathe deeply with thankfulness.

The birds chirp away, singing melodies
Melding with the song the radio plays.
My heart dances to this lovely medley
Creating a new tune to which I sway.

The wayside flowers seem more colorful
Nodding their heads in the cool breeze.
The dragonflies and beetles wake up, too.
With more buzz than the news on the TV.

In a distant temple, bells start ringing.
Their chimes lead to an inner awakening.
For the beauty of this wonderful morning
Was even more due to the tea I was sipping.

The Rain Fell

The rain fell,
And it washed the green leaves covered with dirt.
It also took away the colors from my tie-and-dye shirt.

The rain fell,
And it cleared the air of dust, smoke, and pollution.
It also took away the scent of the roses in the garden.

The rain fell,
And it brought forth saplings from the earth.
It also took away lives when the rivers overflowed.

The rain fell,
And it whispered constantly with a low pitter-patter.
It also took away the tranquility with the roaring thunder.

The rain fell,
And it cooled the heat of the summer nights.
It also took away the twinkle of stars and the moonlight.

The rain fell,
And it made the peacocks sing aloud and dance.
It also took away the solitude by kindling romance.

The rain fell
And it changed everything –
Life itself… and how we live it.

Know Thyself!

Know Thyself!
Not in the “what the mirror reflects” kind of way!
Not in the “what riches you possess” kind of way!
And surely not in the “what people say” kind of way!
But know yourself like the still, clear waters of the ocean
Reveal everything in their purest, unadulterated versions.
Know yourself like the eagle gliding in the blue expanse
Never misses the slightest movement in the grasslands.
Know yourself like the map of a thick tropical forest
That has every bush, every tree, and every dirt path plotted.
Because only if you seek to know your self from yourself
Will you be able to traverse the maze of this worldy existence,
And, only if you are aware of all aspects of yourself
Will you be true to your life and all you expect from it.

I Pedal Towards Hope

If I could, I’d cycle around the globe
To break the silence around suicide.
With my words, I pedal towards hope.

As the wheels turn on the road,
I call upon people from far and wide.
If I could, I’d cycle around the globe.

This plague has the world in its scope,
But we can unite to make it subside.
With my words, I pedal towards hope.

Across all boundaries, let this be told.
It’s okay to speak your mind; to confide.
If I could, I’d cycle around the globe.

Emotions, events, people, and workload –
You can win it all with Life on your side.
With my words, I pedal towards hope.

Silence is not always akin to gold!
Raise your voice! Let nothing be implied!
If I could, I’d cycle around the globe
With my words, I pedal towards hope.

PS: This poem is a Villanelle.

The Light of Hope

The Sun may set in the west
Leaving behind a trail of darkness.
And if this weighs heavy on your chest,
I’ll be the one to ease the sadness.

For all that remains unexpressed,
I light a candle at dusk with earnestness.
And through its glow, I suggest
Let’s talk to end the hopelessness.

Many-a-times in life’s quest,
There are moments of unsureness.
Let this little flame put your mind to rest
With it, you are no longer directionless.

Just like the flame flickers with zest,
Let hope chase away the gloominess.
And if you need to choose for the best,
Choose life with all its meaningfulness.

Permanent Impermanence

We are all paper boats.
On Time’s River, we float.
As each second ticks away,
Nothing in permanence can stay.
Seasons change and also hearts.
Endings lead to new starts.
These moments are like gossamer –
Here now, then gone forever.

The Power of Words

The pages of history are replete
With man’s quest for domination,
Of how the little atom was split
To create a destructive weapon.

But a more powerful one exists
That causes more devastation.
It is the words that one speaks
That are stronger than weapons.

If only one could clearly see
Through the veil of discrimination,
There wouldn’t be any hate speech
Leading to wars between nations.

If only one used their words wisely
Without ego, anger or bad intentions,
Then everyone would be at peace,
And this would spread in all directions.

Such words purify the soul and body.
They help dispel negative emotions.
They pave the way for good things
For the speaker and the one listening.

My Angel

During dark and tumultuous times,
When conflicting emotions collide,
There shines a lamp of bright light
Revealing the path out of the strife.
With a word at a time, I get respite –
Poetry! Always my Angel, my guide!

To You!

You! Caught in a traffic jam
On a hot summer afternoon
Or waiting at the red signal –
What’s not OK is the horn
Adding to the noise levels!

You! Racing in a big hurry
On the national highways,
Rushing to just overtake –
Keep a safe distance, and
You will see another day!

You! On an evening drive
Cruising on the city streets,
Keep the road in your sight –
When you use headlights,
Use the dipper at night!

You! Going to a party
Driving that motorcar,
For your safe journey –
Don’t use vehicle’s mirror
To put on your lipstick!

You! Yes, you at the wheel,
Pay heed to this free advice
Painted for you especially
On a truck’s colorful behind –
Seen exclusively in our country!