The word is Dee!

Some words just stay in our hearts, With much depth as a whole or in parts.  Words have always been a guide and friend, Seeing life through inspiration till the very end.  Excerpts from The Paradox of Time defines it well, It says bigger houses, smaller families to dwell.  Focus on more convenience but less time, With emphasis on deep profits but shallow relationships in the rhyme.  It further elaborates on more degrees, less sense, With more knowledge, less judgement hence.  It explains how we reach the moon and come back, But don't take the time to meet the neighbour for a snack.  How accurately these words define this world now, It's time to pause and make corrections somehow.  Don't we learn from experts they say, This knowledge of Dalai Lama is true in every way.  Another poem that speaks to my heart, The words of Rudyard Kipling 'If' has a big part.  It holds the character I aspire to be, Growing as an evolved person amidst complex huma...

In a world of my own, I am perplexed to find, A life has been set, all fronts combined.  Often we ponder over aches of the nation here, Let's do more than pass an opinion and move into action gear. Inspire and be inspired is what they say, Been fortunate to have met some true heroes along the way.  In small ways I seek to learn every day, With small acts of kindness I hope and pray.  At the southern most point of India we stood,  Bracing for her on foot journey across India she would.  With a mission to connect with women in every town, Driving empowerment, independence, safety and a voice without a frown.  A mission that was the vision of one, But gathered wide support a reaction sure to stun.  With a voice in her head, she chose to be, A true changemaker for generations to see.  Who says heroes are only with capes, It's not Marvel or Batman changing shapes. People around us have a unseen cape for sure, Spot the hero and boost the champion cheer....

The mind boggling syllabus, exhaustive and more, The pressure is gripping, worrying to the core.  A little under 16, life decisions to be taken, Careers to be planned, decisions on subjects to be forsaken.  Burning the midnight oil, words are complex for sure, Chapters are many, there is a looming fear.  The strong minded courage up to face the war, The planners find study hacks much before.  The countless submissions, projects, assignments and more, Topics may be dated but to be tested for sure.  Hours in a day seem to pass by quickly here, Schedules are grappling, how do they clear.  The competition is gripping, its definitely a worry, Every small decimal percentage is grabbed in a hurry.  Why did the future of the generation peg on a number, Talent, personality, character is in deep slumber.  Generations are tested with these rigorous markings here, To produce a future in India or global shore.  Opportunities are plenty and much to choose ...

As I walk through life I see, To act in an instant happy and free.  Often impulsive and far from strife, Consequences can be happy or a heartache for life.  As I walk through life I see, A dream person, I hope to be. Highs and lows the journey is a test, It seems to take much longer to be the best.  As I walk through life I see, Last spoken words may not set you free.  A sweet or kind word to a loved one you must share, It may be the last time to show that care.  As I walk through life I see, There are miles to go even when the struggle  is hardly carefree.  Our own actions will penalise and hurt, Making impossible to possible is a worthy effort.  As I walk through life I see, Heroes come in shapes and sizes many, To do what needs to be done at the right time, Regardless of the consequences it's worth every dime. As I walk through life I see, The best moments with friends may not always be easy.  Sometimes the ones you think who might pull yo...

Holding you in my arms many years ago, The sentiments and joy, I can feel its echo.  Year by year you have moulded to perfection for sure, It's hard to express my joy and cheer.  Now 13 & 16, two peas of the same pod, Keepers of my heart honest to God. Every ounce of me, grips them tight, Letting them go is my own fight.  Growing up we defined your way, With values and life lessons within you to stay.  Now at this threshold of life, be a queen, Look forward to paving your own path as much is to be seen.  You are not a girl now, To be told or explained the details on how. You are not a woman yet, But with your wings to fly, you are set.  We will always hold you close, Hope to save you from harm that could pose.  But any time you don't see us with you, Find our strength within and that's your clue.  We are mighty proud of the person you are, Our kind of gem, a perfectly imperfect star.  Every lesson you learn on your own, Build on your char...

Have you ever wondered about the time gone by, A family we are born to gives you wings to fly.  As we learn about the world around us, Bitter or sweet they are always around to cheer or fuss.  A perfectly imperfect family I have with me, Ruffling through my fading memory of equations from heaven that can see.  Struggling with our own choices and balance to find the calm, Writing our own story and protecting from every harm.  Friends have no definition for sure, School, college, work  or home, in sadness and cheer.  Some equations walk the path for a lifetime of hope, Silently anchoring our journey to cope.  Along the way as we go, Some of our deepest bonds fail to show, How did we hope that nothing will end, Some friends like family don't find a way to mend.  Wise words I have been told to cure this broken heart, Some bonds are meant to travel only that far from the start.  Find your joy and learn for whatever time it may be, Be grateful for ...

New places we go far and wide, Every place has a mixed learning tide.  Some experiences just mark a niche in the mind, So unique and memorable that it's hard to find.  I am a hippie tourist ready to photograph and pose, A cheerful glee and my excitement shows.  Often frowned and disapproved of by my family for sure, Capturing moments is my cheer.  Remarkable experiences across journeys were many, Often thought worth every penny.  The cruise passing glaciers across the expansive sea, Or the trek to tucked away caves to find my inner me.  The cheerful amusement parks give me a high, Disney and other cartoons boost my wings to fly.  The walk on the calming beaches that lift my world, Every second connected with the sea is gold.  The soft cool clinched fist of snow, Ready to build the snowman with a plough.  The deep chord of the musical show, An applaud to every artist with a respected bow.  A grand dinner on a bus was such, Savored with ex...

The room was full of people coiled in emotion, Each one was shaken by the trauma displayed, bursting their bubbled notion. It was a reality no one could see, It opened eyes as we witnessed a silent plea.  Every photo taken in the war, Had a different turmoil from near and far.  There were stories of anger, rage, deception, bravery, suffering and more, Every chord of our being was hit to the core.  It wasn't just one war that they faced, It was the agitation and  misery of several decades that cannot be erased.  Countries were many, treaties were broken then, Promises made were simply forgotten.  It's heartbreaking to know the effect didn't stop with the war, With harmful chemicals, generations were left with several deep scars. While disability and mobility was missing for many, Diseases and suffering  from within left many edgy.  The brave soldier enters the battle field with pride, The enemy crossfire and attack often is a dangerous ride.  ...

The sparkling golden waves, that lash before me, Nature's miracle from my room I see.  The far horizon, I yearn to find the ocean end, It's an endless and expansive legend.  Cuddled in my duvet, looking through the glass, Blessed to see the sea from here not worth the pass.  The view was priceless and rare, But the touch of the ocean and the soft feel of the sand was my care.  The many surfers get there early to wave, Waiting patiently for the best tide to brave.  Fitness enthusiasts run the beach, While others seek fitness in dance to teach.  Basking in the morning sun, The radiance of this glory is no pun.  The calm that engulfs my mind with this sight, Water is my therapy and hope is my might.  The orange aura that transcends to pink by sunset, The colors are many, it's a confusing bet.  There are flowers blooming around with cheer, It's a magical feeling to have all year.  By evening the beach gets busier for sure, Adults and kids ga...

In the stillness of the night skies, high up here, The red light blinks on the flight wings so clear.  The sky is decorated with stars so rare, A painting in the sky etched with care.  The night seems long and so does the journey, Restless minds are naturally in a hurry.  But small boosts make a memorable flight, The weary mind is seeking a restful night.  The flight is steered by two women with the reins they sit, Such a treat to watch them take charge in the cockpit. The rest of the crew were charming women too, Makes an inspiring team far and few.  The dim lights in the plane soothe the guests to sleep, But disturbed by the shrieking child weep. The silence is broken by the tantrum of a toddler kick the seat, It's hard to get any sleep or eat. As we eagerly wait to explore new sights, With a schedule of our own, morning to night.  The pilot announced a plan to descend soon, The sound that felt like a boon.  Through these hours, as we tried to find o...

Sitting at the piano by the quaint street, Transported by the music, from head to feet.  The traffic, chaos and noise I find, Still grips me with a different vibe away from the daily grind.  I can feel the daunting steps I climbed that day, The path that felt like it was heaven's way.  Steep and many from the lagoon to the caves did I find, Every step felt like a test of my mind.   The calming waters as we found our way in the bamboo boat, Through the cave into a lagoon, the joy was plenty in a happiness float. Serene and peaceful it was a memory for sure, Definitely in my mind bank so dear. Surrounded by other boats and kayaks here, Finding their way with much cheer.  The teasing monkeys on the rocky facade did smile, The loud cheer of many nationalities was worth the mile. Inside the cave, it was like nothing I had seen, Every step seemed mysterious with a magical sheen. Three chambers did we cross that day, Nature's creation is spectacular in every way....

The news was a frenzy, it was a chatter of unknown, The fear was looming and anxiety had grown.  Symptoms that confused, doctors were unclear, Panic had struck, many a tear.  Lockdown, masks, social distance they said, Covid and it's variations has much been read.  Masks have left the face for many for sure, But stayed as a wardrobe accessory here.  Covered or not it's no longer a shield of fear, It's a human gap that's sadly very clear.  A generation went online and stayed hooked there, From offline to online, now actual friends are rare.  When restrictions were lifted, crowds didn't care, Losses were many, no one to spare.  Confidence crushed, a pandemic that made a lasting memory for sure, Businesses and marriages were tested with no cheer.  Kids and pets born in this feared time, Were protected in a bubble from the chaotic rhyme.  Too much noise or crowds created a worrying scare, Counselled endlessly to make a balanced fare.  Four y...

A year that numbed and stayed on my mind, Gripped with fear and anxiety, something I may not leave behind. The year 2020, a milestone for many, but a new learning to me, While I turned 40, a new normal is what we see. A virus they say, that shook the world, Struggling with the unknown, inside we hurled. An unseen monster is what it was called, It was quick to spread and hard to be stalled. To control the spread many have seen, Lockdown mandates is what has been. Stay home, stay safe is a widespread plea, It was a time for vitamins, immunity and hot tea. With symptoms that confused while treatments were unclear, Home or hospital was a chance of fear. The media shrieked, shortage of beds was definitely worrying, But for our front line workers, everyday this battle was alarming. Lime, turmeric, honey, spices and all, Tips and tricks are plenty hoping to stall. Washing our hands and sanitizing our homes we put our might, We had waged a war with the virus for which we fight. Vulnerable and ...

Before the sound of the alarm I hear, The stillness in the wee hours of the morning here.  What began as a determined practice to run a distance for the body and mind, Has now formed a new morning ritual leaving everything far behind.  A few stretches here with some yoga too, Every breath can be heard to be true.  Often I am asked about the joy of this 'me time', Just with myself, every morning has an unbeatable rhyme.  As I make my way through the home in hush, I am followed by my fur baby in a rush.  Brewing that morning coffee tickles a chord, The aroma and calm beats all odd.  Strange are the ways of the break of dawn, The mind doesn't wander where it's not supposed to be gone.  How does the calm of the morning know my heart, It has a different reset for a daily start.  Will I trade this time to stay snuggled in bed, Even on a Sunday, nothing can be said.  It's a different version of me time here, After the early morning kitchen wrap ther...

Walking on four, following like no other, An unconditional love that makes it tougher. The eyes that love with such devotion, As he looks at me with no condition.  He came to us the size of my hand, A true blessing this fur baby is hard to understand.  No expectations, just shadow me everywhere, Something about him, I want to protect with care.  The family struggles to get his undivided attention for sure, A wave of a treat is sure to cheer.  Snuggle and belly rubs that's for sure, Gazes with such intent unwavering and pure.  He is truly a baby in tow with me, Carried in my arms or driving free. The front seat, his visual throne to watch the city sights, Or snore through the loud honking of the city traffic in day light. An animal lover, I might be, But my journey with this munchkin was a revelation to me.  Grateful and blessed to be chosen to be his person, Hoping I am worthy of his reason. Many lives we hope to be his family for sure, Hope everyone is luc...

The many apps, my device has a universe of more, Every thought has something to care for a small chore.  Staying connected is much wider than you can see, It's no longer the phone conversation till eternity.  Sharing moments, pictures, thoughts are quick for one, Nothing is simple anymore, it could all be a pun.  Features are plenty, platforms are many too, I might need a tutorial to survive in this tech zoo.  Smiling in a picture is not a norm today, Covered faces, pouts and unrecognisable filters are the way.  Chats and messages are filled with slang, brevity and acronyms, A classic letter has vanished from this connected hymn.  Faces are replaced in AI, homework is assisted online, More room for scams, plagiarism, disappearing originals, yet all is fine.  A coffee catch up or a meeting at the office there, Is now more often virtually quick to share.  A visit to the bank, saving or making payments on time, Is a forgotten memory with banking onli...

Wooden flooring, lush green below, sitting on a yellow swing, perched on the 24th floor, Almost touching the skies, in sync with my core.  The green may seem unreal to you,  But it's carefully put together by us two.   Every color, niche and decor you see, Is a touch of our reflection with elegance and simplicity.  Family meals, the playful furbaby, the chatting teenagers in code, Celebrations around the fire place or working in that private abode.  The evening coffee together or prayer time rituals has to be there, The weekly Thursday special meal is an experimental affair!  It's not an everyday feeling that one would know, A cherished contentment of something hard to show.  Every corner of this house has something of me, Every detail has a thought that I envisioned to see.  Battled with the experts on their rigid plan, How will they define, what is meant for my clan.  Today as I walk through every room, here I see, Some beauty with many sli...

The adrenaline rush, the excitement was plenty I know, Growing years I found myself daring high and low. The bungee jumps, the thrill of parasails, deep water splash, The roller coaster rides,  adventure climbs are always a bash.  Decades later, with two in tow these pearls, I call them my heartbeats, my teenage girls.    What has changed, I am not sure, I am more cautious as a mother can be here.  Brave and their forever rock I will be there, Ready to fight the world without a care!  I may be more safe now I know, But my madness, enthusiasm and silliness is always at the fore.  In this journey as a parent I have seen, I am never perfect as it has been.  Everyday as I teach them something new, I learn with them about life and that is true.  Some days are just laughter, jokes and fun, But when the 'mom in me' checks in, discipline is number one.  Books, Google, social media has much that defines my role, But in my journey, I want to pen m...

Life from 1 to 99 has plenty to see, An unsettling pressure, struggling to compete.  Born with a slightly darker skin tone, Relatives are quick to comment in that zone.  The student grapples with grades that matter, To impress the school and society chatter.  Selections and future depends on an exceptional score, What happens to those who didn't make it to the fore.  Comparisons are many and often one is told,  To learn from another, forgetting their own unique mould, We often get tangled in our own stereotypes for sure, Not imagining that the lesser privileged may excel beyond one here.  The construction worker will do his might to earn, So that his child can educate and have a career inturn.  Many personalities, some loud, aggressive and not always right, Afraid of being judged or mocked, the unspoken do not fight.  While some girls push boundaries with studies and work to ace, Others get caught in the primitive mindsets that define their pace....

Floppy disk, VCR, pager, walkman are words of the past, No one knows when they saw it last.  The endless winding of the cassette with a pencil,  To save the tape and hear the last musical.  Photos had to be taken with care, The limited film reel was a permanent scare.  The dial up internet and the sound of struggling connections, ICQ chat were unnamed equations.  Music played on the walkman in tow, Doordarshan, Ramayan was the family show.  TV for us depended on the antenna that shifted with the wind, While the melody of ads in our minds were pinned.  Washing powder Nirma or Lyril soap for sure, The two horned Onida devil or the dancing girl of Dairy Milk to cheer.  Rasna, Gold Spot, Thums Up, Roohavza to sip, Or be cool by being you in the Fido Dido clip.  The scent of Old spice & Brylcream in your dad's kit, With reminders to polish the Bata school shoes and blanco the whites for a perfect fit.  The iconic ambassador, blue for us s...

The daily grind, the many melt downs are there, Travel often feels like the best care.  A trip with friends or that dreamy solo trip, Where everything is in my own grip. But the plan with the family needs proper care, Little details are a family affair.  Options are many, finalise one place at the end, Plan the itinerary and book to the last second.  As the days near, packing, lists, documents in tow, Wardrobe drama for the perfect photo show.  Mixed emotions are there for sure, But awaiting that journey here.  The airport chaos has its own charm, Staying cool, pulling our trolley with the right arm.  The quick bite and the brewing coffee here, Sets the mood for much in cheer.  The turbulent flights, menacing hotel or the delayed pick, Many confusions but staying calm is the trick.  The sound of the waves, the sights of the mountain green, The heart flutters like nothing it has seen.  The blue of the sea, the history that grips, The mind is ...