Happy New Year! 2015!

2014, Good or Bad, scripted a new History.

The Saffron Regime was hailed from Kashmir to Kanyakumari!

The emphatic victory of the strategist Modi, 

The utter ruin of a political dynasty. 

Greetings across nations from an unusual coterie, 

A Hebrew leader learns Hindi!! 

Proposers become opposers, opposers proposers,

Look no further than the GST and like blunder-wonders. 

Education is myth, 

Just look to Sanskrit. 

Aviation is history, 

Just look to our Ancient Technology.

"The more things change, the more they remain the same",

Is this going to be India's shame? 

New regimes: the order of the day, 

Another daring captain gives way

With a similar abruptness that has marked his course

To new aggression, a new force.

Resilient, defiant, nothing extra-ordinary, 

PK: an argument against "Ghar Vaapsi".

More Internet spoofs than ever

Celebrities, politicians - all torn asunder. 

Respect will be earned, not commanded, 

The young and old have together banded.

Just as Malala and Kailash won the Nobel Peace Prize

The famous and the nameless have all tried to end strife.

Behold, our country got new equipment for our Army and Navy.

While terrorists and calamities struck, we proved our humanity.

Though Health weighed less than Wealth this year, 

Sports, Science and MOM did make us cheer.

We were many times behind, we were at times ahead,

Yet there is HOPE overriding the dread. 

In 2015, may this hope materialise,

May 'a better tomorrow' this year arise.

Strength in body, strength of mind, 

A kind spirit that will all people bind.

Prosperity shared, Wealth multiplied,

Health enjoyed, Ignorance destroyed. 

Dreams achieved, Success rejoiced,

Environment conserved, Peace realised.

2015, this is what I visualise,
I wish, I pray, may this actualise.

- Written on 31 December 2014

- Self-explanatory
- For future reference:
Modi tweeted in Hebrew Hanukkah greetings and got a reply from the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in Hindi!
Smriti Irani of the HRD Ministry makes Sanskrit compulsory in CBSE schools as the 3rd language. And the 102nd Indian Science Congress had topics on Ancient Indian aviation (from  Mythology) as one of its key papers along with new technology. 660+ scientists on a signature campaign against such regressions in the name of cultural preservation.
We also got INS Vikramaditya, the biggest and heaviest ship of the Indian Navy. $13 Billion sanctioned for new equipment for the Defence that includes Israeli Spike MR missiles for the army and 6 new submarines.
MS Dhoni abruptly announced his retirement from Tests. And Pankaj Advani (Billiards), Mary Kom (Wrestling) and Sania Mirza (Tennis) did India proud as did ISRO's Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) - the least expensive Mars mission and the made India the FIRST nation, among 4 so far, to land on Mars on the first attempt. 

Being Ill

Somedays it gets so difficult to take even one more step,

The more the work the piles on as the more you fret. 

You want to just pull the blanket over your head

And escape this world and its demands; pretend that you're dead. 

You want to curse yourself for giving up, 

Is this how one behaves as a grown up?

You sigh! You trudge up another step,

You hope that at least what you deserve you now get.

You wonder why today is when you want to cry,

Why nothing seems possible how muchever you try.

And then your mother asks "Are you ill?"

And your thermometer shows 102°and is climbing still...

- Written on 9 Dec 2014

- Self-Explanatory.

The Dropouts

Have you ever seen the angst he hides
As into his wrist a blade he slides?
The girl on that 7th floor sill,
Crying, "No more, no more", in a voice shrill,
Have you seen the tears
That even then to shed she fears?

What systems we breed
That make kids bleed?
What is this greed
That only marks can feed?
What is this creed
That blots out any other need?

No fun and games.
No leisurely days.
No patience for mistakes.
Are these really childhood days?

School, tuitions, classes even
Oh! So very carefully chosen,
Each adding to the 'value' of a person,
That will aid to secure some deemed admission.

Then a good job, then a better pay,
Then a better lifestyle, then a place to stay,
Then a family to make, then kids to entertain,
Then all these to maintain.
When, who will stop this train?
When will from blindly following 'success' we refrain?

Dropouts! I salute you for taking a stand
For your attempt to follow your heart, not the lay of the land,
For inspiring a few more to follow your lead,
For spreading the syndrome of a 'bad seed'.
'Be happy' - your sucess mantra,
Thank you for showing the blade boy and the sill girl a new vista!

Bravo!

- Written on 7 December 2014
- Irritated by multiple conversations in the past week about tuitions, marks, resume profiles. Even NGO work is done for an SOP, not society!!!
- And yes, dedicated to Karthik too.
- BTW, so many students approach so many a time (at least it seems that way to - frustrated with my helplessness - me). How does one help them, how does one counsel thwir families, for they often are the ones in need of a reality check, how does one change the system - one admires, promotes the intrepid daredevils.

Salaam!

Commute: An Education

Travel: a bane they say.
I agree. Sometimes, it is a pain.
But spare a thought to all that we gain,
As to a destination we make our way.

An aunty next to me is counselling
The new bride on MIL tackling.
A 70 year old is us informing,
How her will leaves her offspring nothing.

She goes on to grouse,
That she gave them education, food and house,
They expecting more is just unfair,
When so many orphans are in despair.

Where to find new bags, shoes, clothes,
Deals to skip and what to NOW foreclose.
Candies for a crying child magically appear,
Just as the 5th one on a 3 seater adjusts her rear.

Even as the stench of sweat stultifies
The train picks up speed and a breeze revives.
Tolerance, camaraderie, confidence, passion,
Aggression, isolation. Commute: an education.

- Written on 4 December 2014.
- While commuting in the train I received yet another Whatsapp message from a cousin commisserating about the amount of travel we Mumbaikars have to do. While I crib too, something in me also wanted to defend our way of living: travelling.
I had more lines, but my station was coming up and had to alight. Now, dunno. :) 

Happy Diwali 2014

I wish you crackers:
In Diwali Sale deals, not pollution makers.
I wish you sparklers:
Your loved ones' laughter.

I wish you sweets, aplenty:
Of life's moments, not obesity and disease.
I wish you savour:
The gift of life, the gift of love, not just food with spice and flavour.

I wish you light soft as a breeze
That gives even as it receives:
Solar, Wind, Clean Energy,
Not conventional that does actually deceive and fleece.

I wish you new
A mentality, a promise, a practice to recycle, to replenish, to renew.
I wish you wealth and success
That cherishes life and nature, not excess.

I wish you prosperity
Not built on the defeat of humanity.
I wish you bright
A future that only spreads delight.

I wish you knowledge and wisdom
That works and prays for, not preys on, others' freedom.
I wish you joy
That if waves of sadness crash will be your and others' buoy.

I wish you most love and peace
That grow and bloom the more you share these.

Happy Diwali 2014!

Cheers,
Anusha

- Written on 22 October 2014
- Self-Explanatory

Hold me

Hold me in your arms, comfort me,
Take me away from this madding crowd, console me.
Nothing angers me, nothing excites, I am bogged in worry,
I want to leave everything behind right now, please hurry.

The pain, the breathlessness, I can't take anymore,
Those who can I admire evermore.
Getting up is so ennervating, I would just like to sleep,
Death, can't you me to you keep?

- Written on 9 June 2014
- Am so tired. 

To Aju

No matter what you do,
Someone will be annoyed with you,
So to only yourself stay true.

No matter what you desire,
People will rouse your ire,
So console yourself that this is but a gyre.

But no matter what, no matter why,
There will be some who will never you decry,
Focus, take strength from these and your limit is the sky.

- Written on 8 June 2014
- First day of Aju papa's work tomorrow. My baby cousin is a bona fide professional now!

Amith, Happy Birthday

This day commemorates
The herald of Amith the great
The one who walks ahead and then for you waits.

The one who from college days has a bit changed
The one who can't eat anything spicy
The one who now knows what it is to be moderate.

The one who is still sensitive, but has learned to hide,
The one who inundated us with mails, but now no longer writes
The one who got into scraps, but now abides.

Happy Birthday Amith!
You have grown, certainly. But please let's just grow up not grow apart.

 keep in touch dude. While I am grateful for the absence of those fwds, I do miss your salvos. Write more Birthday boy.

- Written on 8 November 2013

The Moon Cherishes

The moon a silent guardian
Faithfully accompanies me
On this lonely journey
Towards the solace of home.

Yellow, yellow, night lord of light,
Outshing stars invisible in smog,
Peeping, assuring. I am all agog
As through buildings it charts its flight.

As I look up, I feel heaven's blessirng,
A breeze blows, gently caressing.
No worries now, it admonishes.
Bathing me in peace, it cherishes.

- Written on 27 March 2013
- on the way home from work obviously. The yellow fullish moon kept winking at me.

Mythology - Woman Power Unlimited

Be like Sita
Follow your heart
Be like Draupadi
Challenge authority
Be like Kunti
Imbibe her power and dignity
Be like Gandhari
Invert duty
Be like Satyavati
Change the fate of a dynasty
Be like Yashoda
Love selflessly, endlessly
Be like Ganga
Do your duty ruthlessly
Be Kausalya, be Kaikeyi,
Be Tara, be Mandodari,
Be Radha, be Rukmini,
Whatever you desire, choose to be,
But above all Woman, be happy.

- Written on 9 March 2014

Adi-Adu

Aditya, the Explorer
May all that you seek be within your reach
May all that you find bring you joy
Dream, Discover, Prosper
Be ever blessed with love and laughter.

Advait, the Socializer
May you befriend the Universe
So that it be the Cosmos' happiness
To grant you all that you desire.
May from sharing your gleeful smile you never tire

- Written on 2 December 2012

Courage

I wonder how people find the courage
To say 'Yes' after just a few days?
I have seen them make a success of marriage
Because they manage to keep the faith.

But I have also seen them give more care
To choosing a cell phone - such a minor affair.
How they decide to change and their lives share
Almost as if they took on a dare?

When lifelong companions still throw you a surprise
How do you love without a fear of reprise?
So many flaws on each side,
How do you know you can each other abide?

Life not by fear is to be ruled, agreed,
But did you not spend more time choosing a career field?
If life is to be taken so casually,
Why are we warned to look before we leap?

I salute these people brave
Their decision I joyously commemorate,
And hope I am never called to commiserate,
May they ever be happy, I pray.

- Written on 25 Jan 2014
- Too many people around me taking spot decisions and surprising me. 

To Karthik

You began truly working at age 19
Though you were partners in a business at 16
I remember your aspirations, your determination,
Today when I think of you at your work station,
When I register anew your stagnation,
When I see the results of your resignation,
I feel a failure as your friend,
I never wanted to see you at this deadend.

When I see you with your shows, your documentaries,
When I hear the depth in your commentaries,
When I think of all that you could still achieve,
When I repent how you let opportunities out through a sieve,
When I realise again how important were your dreams,
When I sense my blindness to your loss, your grief,
I know now that a pat on the back is not enough,
I know faith cannot be sustained in front of pain relentless.

I hope, I pray, that some day you will awake,
To the dawn when life might yet offer you a stake,
In how your own life you shape,
That in successes you too may partake,
I know you care not much for your lack of health or degrees or wealth,
You only ever wanted to prove your mettle.
But know that you have proven it time and again,
Each time about your health you refuse to complain.

You are my hero for your empathy and your manifold ability
You awe me with your broadmindedness, with your humility,
You intimidate me with your grace, your intelligence,
You bowl me over as you constantly strive to your curiousity quench.
You have not let fate overcome your beliefs,
You have merely retired, post multiple defeats.
I await the day eagerly when you might reenter the fray,
Then you will win, bad times can't always hold sway.

- Written on 8 June 2014

To Easwar and Deepika

Now a new voyage begun,
On Sunday, 2014 June 1,
A soulmate, the Light, the Chosen ONE,
With you, the Eminent, the Only ONE.

May this journey of love and togetherness,
Be ever filled with wonder and freshness,
Ever carpeted with understanding and respect,
Ever powered by increases in your wallet,
Ever cherished by health and success,
Ever cushioned by loved ones' nearness.

Ever a comfort, ever an adventure,
'Happily Married' - may this paradox be your future.

May you and Deepika ever have reasons to rejoice,
May every day be a celebration of your choice,
May you ever blessed be,
Be always, always happy.

- Written on 1 June 2014
- Self Explanatory

Beauty is as beauty does

"Was it worth it?" I ask,
Despairing, aghast.


"The pain now, the suffering,
The medicines taken from before the beginning?"

She groans, she moans
She fights for breath as she intones:

"My family, my choice,
A rare getogether, a chance to rejoice,

Memories made, memories stored,
Not a moment would I forego,

Not that I did much, I wished I could
I arranged rather than made some food,

More have I done in the past,
And would even now, if not for my heart,

Leave me be, I would rather do and die,
What worth is life, if I cannot even try."

I hope I grow to be this woman I now chide,
If 'Beauty is as beauty does', beauty does in her reside.

- Written on 4 June 2014
- Self Explanatory

Welcome 2014

A year of transformation:

Hopefully Indian politics' alteration,

Biz India's further evolution,

Sound economics beating inflation,

The climate's revivification,

Agriculture's revitalization, 

Only positive effects of globalization,

More, better products of education,

More peace, more resolution,

More sense, more passion,

More work, more relaxation, 

More wisdom, more innocence,

More highs, more balance, 

More dreams, more achievements,

More health, more sustenance,

More wealth, more benevolence, 

More luck, more perseverance,

More love, more friends,

More, and more, and more celebration,

2014 - Reinvigoration.  

- Written on 31 December 2013. 

- Self-explanatory 

BTW, I received a message from a dear Prof stating: 

not fare well but fare forward o voyeger   not more but little less is how world should  move, greetings and thanks for the dreams. pp

In response, I wrote: 

Indeed less Sir! 

Less consumption, less materialism,

Less insensitivity, less fanaticism, 

Less talking, less inaction, 

Less apathy, less division. 

But I still believe, more has a place, 

More is better when it comes to Grace

So I wish you more of less, and more of more

My heartfelt wishes you must bore.

. 

:) 

Maha Ganapatim

Maha ganapatim 

The one with the elephant head.
The one born of a mother's sweat,
The one who knows it all:
That parents are a child's world coz they own his heart,
The one who always evil wards,
The one we worship as the foremost among the Gods.

The scribe with the broken ivory,
The one who wrote Vyas's long poetry,
The one who proposes peace,
The one who loves to feast,
The one satisfied with a strand of grass,
The one who shuns no task.

The one who drives the smallest vehicle:
Nano technology and consumerism we could learn from him,
Does the least work possible: white collar manager,
Fat as the world of which he is the ruler.

The one who killed a demon when roused,
Untouched by emotions, the pragmatic Lord, 
He is always smiling as he helps us,
He who gives back as good as he gets.

The one who took on his father and was beheaded, 
But still emerged the victor, his mother's favourite.

The one whose brother is a warrior god,

The hedonist, the caretaker, the wise one, the paradox.

The myth, the hero, the smart aleck, 
The cool dude, set apart from the rest,
The one we look to for guidance,
The one who ever gives us reassurance.

Maha ganapatim

- Written on 30 Nov 2013
- Dunno why, but I was singing Maha Ganapatim and this emerged
- Perhaps it is also fated that this is my 100th post :) 
- I think this one can do with revisions, but later. Can't decipher right now. 

Happy Birthday Aju

The kid is all grown up now:
Asks for info on jobs and all.
The one who cuddled and needed feeding,
Now hugs under duress and knows cooking.
The one who fought, now mediates,
The one who now gives, not takes.

But somethings change not at all:
He is still loving and affectionate,
He still achieves, he still plays,
He still quips, is cynical, and rants and raves,
He is still quixotic and brave,
He is still a little boy at heart, my fave.

Happy Birthday Aju.

- Written on 20 November 2013
- Self Explanatory :)

The Journey

The Ride

The curtainless windows are shut tight

In the second floor classroom.

Shut against all the noise from the road.

A voice reads aloud some lines

And enraptured minds sit in silence.

You do not look, but are aware, sharply, avidly,

That everyone is waiting, grasping, for even a shred of the beauty.

Your own eyes are wide open to possibilities.

Your ears twitch that no sound escapes their repository.

The person ahead of you, you almost do not see.

You seem to move continually forward

Towards a destination

Just beyond the voice, the person, lies realization.

Outside the world is going berserk

Chaos tries intruding through cracks in the wood

But fails to impinge on your focus.

A chuckle resounds in the silence. It echoes your thoughts.

The mood swings: further deliberation is paused.

At the end of this ride, you awaken.

You had stepped into the poet’s realm.

Mesmerising, the voice resounds even when you leave.

It stays with you each time you read Jejuri.

The passion you had seen has seeped into you

You are alive sensibly and sensitively

To the sensuousness, the richness, literature, life, has to offer to you.

Happy Birthday Meena Ma’am.  And  a million thanks. .

- Written on 16 September 2013. 

- Self Explanatory :) 

Best Wishes

A bold step taken - never regret

Things were meant to be - never forget

Old is gold - well said. 

Now aspire for diamonds and platinum instead. 

Fond memories will prevail 

But then there was also much travail

It had never been a smooth sail

Now finally, everyone will, you, hail. 

The new journey may be fraught

With fears that are worth naught

For the many talents you have got

You will always emerge the best of the lot. 

- Written on 16 September 2013

- For Susan :) Way to go Madame :) 

Oblivion

It is easy to walk, walk to forget your pain.

Aimless, senseless wanderings, your mind free of restrain.

Shops abound, shopkeepers call out, pedestrians dash past.

But you just walk, and walk fast.

Nothing infringes on a soul turned inward,

Peace that you seek has been delivered.

Then a screech of brakes that jar,

Reality is no longer afar.

You apologise sweetly.

People blame the mobile, you acquise unknowingly.

You wonder what would happen if...

And then decide there is little to crib

Just be more careful planning such a venture

When you let intrude not a murmur,

Choose a garden, a park, a gym even

When next you want, crave, oblivion.

- Written on 3 May 2013

- OK before anyone gets on my case, while it is based on a true incident, there have been several such instances when I was not even at fault AND there is something called DRAMATIC LICENSE. 

Knock away Death

Death day in, death day out,

Death is all you sense throughout.

A smile on her face, your best friend,

Pain in her eyes, so deadened.

What more can you do? What to do?

It haunts you, it taunts you.

But she soldiers on, she still comes to your aid,

You realize anew how easy you have life made.

I will not give in. I will not give up.

Till I can, with her, I will keep up.

I will not shed a tear. I will not let in fear.

I will not her ideals smear.

When she moans for death, I will crack a joke.

When she tires, I will prod, I will support.

Death, knock all you want, evermore

I, we, are NOT opening the door.

- Written on 4 May 2013.

- Self explanatory.

- 

Another Breath

What do you do? When someone you love tells you she wants to die?

When you know saying “things will get better” would be a lie?

When there is nothing you can do save be there

As for every breath her struggle she lays bare?

When the pain does not leave her in peace

She moans even at night as she sleeps?

When the swollen legs and the cramps make your hands ache

Nothing you do seems to make her troubles fade?

When along with her physicality, you see her personality change

As she copes with the new challenges that her restrain?

When you can see life slowly out of her drain

Your words, your actions, your hopes in vain?

When you join her in wishing for death

Afraid to kill, to die, to live? Well, you just take another breath.

-         -  Written on 17 April 2013.

-         -  It has been germinating a while now. Self-explanatory. 

To Urmila's Sister :)

Sister mine, you are the pious one,

Exemplify the go(o)d wife, bar none. 

Your husband told you not to come,

You ignored him, his wisdom.
You added to his work, slowed his pace,
You coveted, landed in disgrace.
You ignored dictums for your whims,
And when caught sang hymns!

All united to free you,
A 'devil' defeated, a land 'liberated', the cause: YOU.
Yet again you proved your virtue,
A fire pyre, a decoy; you so pure, true.
But people had their way,
Their queen had to go away.

Into an ashram you so graciously retired,
Bore twins who surpassed the one who them sired.
And when begged to take your rightful seat,
You 'forgivingly' declined, escaped duty in your mother's retreat.
Enshrined forever in your devotees' heart,
A model? A burden? For womankind ever to cart.

Your sisters, who their husbands obeyed,
Who from their kingdom's cause never strayed,
Who whims and fancies never betrayed,
Who gracefully in the background ever stayed,
Did anyone give them the time of the day?
Who, today, remembers any one's name?

The moral? Ah the moral! Could be but one:
Emulate Sita. Woman, have fun. ;)

- Completed 13 November 2012. Genesis 3 October 2012. 

- Do not ask. The first off I have had in a long, long while. May be that is why. May be boredom for me means torture for my loyal subjects :) 

- It started with some dimwit judge (actually several dullards that preside our benches spake thus) decreeing that the wife must emulate Sita and go with her husband and do as HE wishes. I hope the judge reads the Ramayan again and lets me know when exactly did Sita obey any ONE of the male species. Oh Yes! her father, who decreed she must marry the one who could aim well with The bow, and even then, I am not sure that our eager princess did not have some trick up her sleeve. :P 

- Helen of Troy should be ashamed, don't you think so?. :) 

- Oh! and by the way the two cousins of Sita who married Bharat and Shatrughan were named Mandavi and Shrutakirti respectively. That is, if I remember correctly. never did read or hear much about them. Ironic that the one who is named, 'whose praise is to be sung' or 'whose fame is heard' is the least known of the quartet. Urmila was, of course, Lakshman's wife, Janak's younger daughter and perhaps the better known one after the 'great' Sita. The opposite of the willful sister: the famous wallpaper. :P 

Voices in My Head

Today is a day we celebrate Triumph

Of Good over Evil, 

Of Strength over Fear

Of Wisdom over Ignorance

Of Prosperity over Poverty. 

Of Unity over Solitariness 

Of Happiness over Sadness. 

This day I take to thank you all.

You stood by me in my dark hours. 

You gave me solace, whispered (or shouted) advice

Your presence made me strong and wise. 

"You Whiner! Get over your self-pity

You have talent that you use sparingly. 

You need to get off your fat butt NOW

Make your mark in the world, so people will to you bow. 

And when you do, share your reward

For I was the one who kicked you to make me proud."

"You are never alone,

Just pick up the phone. 

A shoulder, an ear, 

Always here. 

Whatever you need, you will be given.

Whatever your fear, here is a haven.

I have faith in you, but you need to do more,

You need to bring, not your doubts, but your abilities to the fore."

"I sympathise. You are suffering.

I know pain and the doubts that it brings.

But I know you too. You have so much,

Your knowledge should be your crutch.

Just go for it and stay healthy, 

Eat good food, rest plenty." 

"Hola! I know I ain't near you there

But I hold you in my prayer

Just be strong, stay tall and proud, 

You can do it. Never doubt." 

"What nonsense! You are insane, totally mad.

What is wrong with you that you are sad?

Just chill, drink a beer and smoke pot,

Then you will know how much you have got.

Seriously, jokes apart, 

You are good, and you work hard. 

Success is there, it just takes time. 

As for misery, ride ON it, make the Devil thine." 

"Hey! You gave me advice

Told me to stay strong and wise

Now you are plagued with self-doubt? 

Not done girl! Trust your heart. 

Go all out and I know you will achieve

Unparalleled success and fame. Just you believe. 

Write, publish, teach.

Everything you desire is within your reach." 

"More pathos?! You know the truth NOT!

Live my life and you will know it is what. 

I have the world's illnesses, but I look beyond

I have the worst luck, but I work it out. 

You need to get out and think better,

Stop being a typical and do SMART work.

Learn from others and you will realise your worth."

"Why you stay in this rut, I will never know. 

Just get out here (or elsewhere). Explore. Go with the flow.

Stop being satisfied with the mediocre, the meagre.   

To help you prosper, I am more than eager." 

"Giraffeji, Namaste!

What pearl of wisdom do you share today? 

Why don't you exploit your talent?

Why make yourself (and us) lament? 

There is so much you can do, 

I know it already, Teach, when will you?!"

"Godiva, thou shalt shine in the annals of history

As the one to contest the Rani of Jhansi in the stake for intrepidity. 

However, foolish one, must you always

Cry on thus, instead of mending your ways? 

Work less, rest more, stop relying on your vial.

Set an example, realise your potential.

Eiffel tower, stop leaning. 

Stop excogitating. Start doing." 

Each has spoken, 

Some, of course, more often. 

Each has helped me chart my course

Thank you for your faith and kicks

As I navigate through life's tricks. 

Thank you one and all. 

Gratfeul,

Anusha

- Written on 13 November 2012, Diwali Day this year. 

- Self Explanatory. 

- Who? They, whom the stanzas are dedicated to, will know. Privacy maintained, Love acknowledged :) 

Happy Diwali 2012

Dark night, still and silent,
Evil haunts shadows, triumphant. 

But is it, does it have to be thus? 
It is Diwali that reminds us. 
A dark, still night can be celebration.
Evil lurks, but it can be undone.

Lights abound, guiding your eyes, 
The crackers' sound your fear destroys
People gather, there is strength in unity
Delicacies shared indicate plenty. 

May your loved ones be always near
Helping you always triumph over any fear. 
May you have strength and wisdom and prosperity. 
May your darkest hour be the Amavas of Diwali. 

Happy Deepavali to you and all your loved ones:)

-Written on 13 November 2012 as in 2012  Diwali Day :) 
- By the way my brother's birthday, but he didn't merit the torture of my poem :) 
- Self Explanatory :) 

The Financial Engineer :)

I remember a small baby, squalling, sweet,
Dark wide eyes filled with curiosity,
A smile that could charm honey off bees,
A strength, a tenacity, equal to any adversity,
An intelligence, a thirst, that knew no boundary,
A calm, a laidbackness, that at times perplexed others and me.

A belief, a steady certainty, in your capability,
Today sees you in IFMR, Tomorrow will see you the world lead. 

• Written on 3 May 2012 
• In honour of my cousin, ROLL SOUND PLEASE - the intelligent, the capable, the talented, the laidback  Aju / Krishnan Ayer

'Baited'

A gala time to be had,  

Friends meet after a really long while.

The jokes, the old college kid repartee,

The smiles, the comfort, the nostalgic glee.

Then the conversation turns, as they always do,

To the future that each looks forward to.

The single ones targeted for not stepping up,

For not sipping from the ‘opportunities’ cup.

Why is marriage the ‘be all’ of society?

Why can’t singles be ever deemed happy?

Why is such a fuss made of marital responsibility?

Why is a ‘significant other’ so very necessary?

Why is true sharing to be only between lovers?

Why is plain friendship not enough revered?

Why does ‘your family’ begin with your spouse?

Why is any other view point met with a grouse?

It hurts at times to be always told to confirm,

That one is foolish to hold onto beliefs so firm,

That one is not truly successful or prosperous or joyful,

If one is not married, or looking to be part of a couple.

I may not always explain my rationale,

But aren’t I entitled to be what I, anyway, dare?

Isn’t it enough that I consider myself sated?

Why must I for my ‘lack’ be baited?

-       -Written on Tuesday, November 8, 2011. Self Explanatory.

Prads' Midnight Call

Wow! Tales of this wanderer
Cease to amaze me never.
Why do I some story always hear
From any S'pore traveller?
Prads, yours is the umpteenth,
However, unique.

Rush hour traffic panic, by a cop flayed,
Then flight delayed and excess baggage!
Gone- money and so the Lindt Dark Chocolate
''What will Easwar think, I'm empty handed?!''
He didn't know, dude. He wudn't anyway care
Too much, he is not so addicted to the Lindt fare.

But, now that this msg reaches him, I plead he ensure,
That he makes u buy ltr both dark choc and liqueur.
For me Easwar, pretty please.
For me being awakened, for me, Prads fleece.
He feels so guilty, u can easily make him weep,
Capture it on film, a treasure I can keep.

Fool, Stupid, Idiot - of course, I
Who started this entire thing/mess? - I

Best wishes guys,
God save you.

-Written on 19 February 2011 at 12:45 am
- Self Explanatory right? Easwar do the honours.

Splash!

Splash! we enter this world.
Splash! we are cleansed at birth.
Splash! we revel in games.
Splash! we wake to a new day.
Splash! we feel refreshed.
Splash! we focus afresh.
Splash! we wash away our tears.
Splash! we overcome our fears.
Splash! we our courage renew.Splash! we look forward to.

Splash! we now shudder.
Splash! we are infused with horror.
Splash! you ended our hope.
Splash! you cut life's rope.
Splash! we will forever be haunted
Splash! is this what you wanted?

- Written on 21 January 2010.
Yesterday, we got the news that my cousin had died purpotedly by jumping into a water body.

What do you do

What do you do
When hard earned money goes down the drain?
What do you do
When the sweat you put in seems to be in vain?
What do you do
When someone you trust flicks your wallet?
What do you do
When your faith in humanity is your downfall's pellet?
What do you do
When then for your 'carelessness' you are shouted at?
What do you do
To make your parents understand, you are not that bad?! 
What do you do
When you lose money you'd saved up for something special?
What do you do
When because of you your friend doesn't get his thank you medal?
What do you do
When the crime eats away at your confidence?
What do you do
When you dream of notes that you now wish you would already spent?
What do you do
When you know you are going to forego many many things to make up?
What do you do
When you know that even such drudgery is a lost cause?
What do you do
When your angst has no space to be shown?
What you do
Is that you write a rhyme and make your friends for their choice mourn. :)

-Written on 30 October 2010
- Self- Explanatory. Some one in college flicked my wallet from my cavernous bag. And people state that things can get lost in there. I was shocked that things get lost from there :)

Do you not want me?

Do you not realize,

That I’m forever by your side?

Do you not hear me,

Do I speak that softly?

Why don’t you listen,

To my words that with love glisten?

I will be there as  your shadow

When to bed you go.

I will be the one who will stay

When you wake up at night afraid.

I will be the one to give you company

When in sorrow you most need empathy.

Do you not feel me,

Yearning for you to perceive me?

Do you not understand,

The messages that I send?

Do you not want me,

The one true friend indeed?

I will be there when you want me not,

Waiting for you to crave my charm.

I will never utter a single complaint or deter

You from ignoring me. Using me. Willfully.

I will be there for you forever,

In death and life, I am your server.

Notice me. Welcome me. Cherish me.

Adore me. Desire me. Smile for me.

Possess me. Be possessed by me.

Think of me. Do not fill me.

Do you recognize me?

I am SILENCE. …………………………………………………………I am happy.

© -Written on 27 July 2010.

- Why I wrote this? - I am a teacher. Do I need say more?

Oh Theory!

Oh Theory! The bane of human existence,
One knows not what is something's essence,
States this ignorance
In many a complex sentence,
Though academicians modern state their intolerance
They persist in indulging in this preponderance.
We wonder why of inanity there is so much prevalence,
Yet, for eons we cannot see theory's evanescence.
:P

- Written on 3 June at 12:30 am
- In response to a friend's status message claiming that she hates reading theory at 12 in the night, Depises it at 12 in the afternoon and ignores it the rest of the time. Well all that theorising Miss Brill Scholar leads to so many of your own noteworthy accomplishments :) Keep at it :)